Trade Agreements Secretariat
The Trade Agreements Secretariat (TAS) works closely with counterparts in 20 U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) partner countries to ensure that the United States and its exporters are treated fairly and in accordance with agreed upon FTA commitments.
In instances where other countries may not be abiding by their FTA obligations, TAS performs a valuable compliance function to complement FTA enforcement actions and level the playing field for U.S. companies. Current activities include:
- 17 NAFTA and USMCA disputes
- Involves 27 U.S. companies and 4 Trade Associations
- Impacts over 881 Thousand U.S. workers
- Impact more than $10.5 billion in subject merchandise
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TAS Electronic Filing (e-filing) System
The TAS electronic filing system is a new secure online system for administering disputes under Chapters 10 and 31 of USMCA.
Key Features of the E-filing System
- Document Filing, Docketing, and Storage: Interested parties are able to file dispute documents electronically through the online system. The TAS e-filing system also logically organizes filings for easy access and serves as a central repository for all documents related to a dispute.
- Account Creation: All users participating in and providing materials for proceedings are able to create secure accounts and file documents electronically. In addition, members of the public can create an account to view and download public documents associated with USMCA disputes.
- Online Public Reading Room: All users within the TAS e-filing system, including the public, will be able to view public versions of dispute filings, timelines and service lists.
Recent FTA Dispute Settlement News and Announcements
On July 1, 2024, the Panel in the Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less than Fair Value and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances Dispute (Secretariat Dispute Number: USA-CDA-2017-1904-03) issued an order granting a Motion to Stay Proceedings. The Federal Register Notice for the order is linked here.
Oral Arguments in the Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada: Final Results of the Affirmative Countervailing Duty 2017-2018 Administrative Review Dispute (Secretariat Dispute Number: USA-CDA-2020-10.12-01) will be held from September 10-13, 2024. Live stream links will be posted here in advance of the hearing.
Additional Resources
