
On March 31, President Trump signed two Executive Orders (EO) aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises for more favorable global trade for the U.S. The Presidential EO regarding the Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits establishes a 90-day review of factors that contribute to U.S. trade deficits. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s , Economic Indicator Division, the U.S. has maintained the world’s largest trade deficit since 1975. For goods and services the deficit topped $502 billion in 2016. Imports were $2.7 trillion and exports were only $2.2 trillion. The largest categories of U.S. exports are commercial aircraft, automobiles and food. The largest categories of imports are automobiles, petroleum and cell phones. Countries that maintain the largest trade deficits in goods with the United States include:
Country |
Amount of deficit (in $ billion) |
China |
$347
|
Japan |
$69
|
Germany |
$65
|
Mexico |
$63
|
Canada |
$11
|
(Of note: President Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida next week.)
Within 90 days of the date of the EO the Secretary of Homeland Security must consult with the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to develop a plan that requires covered importers to provide security for antidumping and countervailing duty liability through bonds and other legal measures, and also would identify other appropriate enforcement measures.
Also within 90 days of the date of the EO the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must develop and implement a strategy for combating violations of U.S. trade and customs laws for goods and for enabling interdiction and disposal, including through methods other than seizure, of inadmissible merchandise entering through any mode of transportation.

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Tim has over 30 years of extensive experience in federal legislative and regulatory matters. His trusted advise helps clients navigate federal government processes to successful policy outcomes. He is a member of the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics in Washington, D.C.
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