USTR names new APEC Affairs, Labor Reps.

Posted Friday, July 5, 2024 8:15 pm

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced yesterday that Danielle Fumagalli will serve as Acting Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan, Korea, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Affairs. Ms. Fumagalli has most recently served as Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative (DAUSTR) in the same office.

The USTR also abbounced Brenna Dougan will rotate in as the Acting Assistant United States Trade Representative for Labor Affairs. Ms. Dougan has most recently served as Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative in the same office.

The Office of Japan, Korea, and APEC Affairs is responsible for addressing U.S.-Japan bilateral trade issues, monitoring Japan’s compliance with bilateral and international trade treaties, and coordinating with Japanese counterparts on global trade issues of mutual interest. The Office also monitors Korea’s implementation of its commitments under the U.S.-Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement, as well as ensuring Korea’s compliance with various bilateral trade agreements and developing U.S. trade priorities under APEC and its 21 member economies.

Prior to joining USTR, Ms. Fumagalli worked in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, in the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary and the Office of Advisory Committees and Industry Outreach. She began her career as Manager for Indonesia and APEC at the US-ASEAN Business Council, a trade association in Washington, D.C..

Ms. Dougan served as Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Labor Affairs with a portfolio that spanned numerous trade and labor issues and concentrated on the Western Hemisphere, sub-Saharan Africa, and the United Kingdom. She leads implementation of the USMCA Labor Chapter and is the lead negotiator for the labor chapter of the U.S. – Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership. Brenna joined USTR in December 2017 after working in the Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) for nine years as a Senior International Labor Advisor.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

E-edition

Vol 45 No. 11 March 17, 2025

View this issue

Browse other issues

Recent stories

US Sides with Russia Again in Geneva

In a striking move, the United States took yet another step back from Ukraine and its allies by abstaining from a key vote at the International Labour Organization (ILO). This is the second such abstention in Geneva, following a similar move at the World Trade Organization last month. At the UN General Assembly, the US went even further, voting with North Korea and other Russian allies against a western-backed resolution denouncing the invasion and tabling a more conciliatory text, raising concerns that Ukraine may no longer rely on the US as a leading force to plead its cause at multilateral bodies.

Grab 'em by the BizJet

The United States has filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of Florida against a Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, tail number T7-ESPRT, used by Nicolás Maduro Moros and his regime in violation of U.S. sanctions and export laws. The aircraft was seized last year in the Dominican Republic at the request of the U.S.

Tariffs Creating Global Trade Uncertainty

Trade policy uncertainty and the prospect of more tariffs could disrupt global goods trade, according to a World Trade Organization report released this week. Global goods trade was steady in the fourth quarter of last year and appear to continue growing in the first months of 2025, but that could be undone by a looming global trade war.

Medical Supply Chain Bill

Legislation being championed by a bipartisan group of senators would encourage the Administration to engage in trade negotiations to ensure secure supply chains for medical goods and services.

Trade War Widens

On the same day that he slapped 25 percent tariffs on all imported steel and aluminum, President Trump made clear he is turning his sights on the European Union as his next target. Mr. Trump told reporters that he is “of course” going to raise tariffs even more on the EU after Brussels announced it is retaliating against the US steel and aluminum tariffs.

Requests for Comment: Copper & Wood Products

Commerce has launched two separate investigations to assess the impact of copper and wood product imports on national security. Initiated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, these investigations will evaluate the reliance on foreign supply chains, potential risks to critical industries, and the feasibility of expanding domestic production. The Bureau of Industry and Security is soliciting public comments, with submissions due by April 1, 2025.

More news

USTR names new APEC Affairs, Labor Reps.

Comments

Treasury Staffs Legislative Team

Exim Gets Jump Start with Acting Appointments

BIS Leadership Firming Up

BIS Chief Kessler Nomination Hearing