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The U.S. must urgently get back to the negotiating table to set new standards and norms for digital trade, and AI governance. There is still a window for the U.S. to lead, but it is closing as other countries negotiate agreements without us in a fast-paced, rapidly changing technology landscape. The U.S. is losing the opportunity to set norms and standards that encompass American values, protect its workers, and give American companies a leg up in the global marketplace.
Over the past year and a half, as the Administration has moved away from our traditional allies, democratic values, and the existing global order, our closest partners have been building trade and technology rules without the U.S. The EU has negotiated trade agreements with Mercosur and India and is strengthening its trading relationship with the CPTPP countries. Other partners are moving forward as well - the UK concluded an FTA with Korea, and Canada is expecting to conclude an FTA with ASEAN this year.
Countries are making real, tangible progress on new digital agreements -- the EU and the CPTPP countries are negotiating a digital trade deal, Korea has joined the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, and new digital trade language is embedded in most of these new trade accords.
As new agreements and frameworks move ahead without the U.S., American firms face growing risks and disadvantages from preferential arrangements they are not included in, fragmented regulatory standards, and their reduced influence over digital trade and AI governance. U.S. absence opens the door to other countries advancing their own governance models, which could compromise U.S. economic security and usher in more punitive rules that impede innovation and hamper democracy.
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