Establishment of the Interagency Committee on Trade in Automotive Goods Under Section 202A of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement Implementation Act
Executive Order 13908 creates a new Interagency Committee on Trade in Automotive Goods to coordinate and advise on how the United States implements and enforces the automotive provisions of the US‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement (USMCA), including the rules of origin and the alternative staging regime. The Committee will assess how these provisions affect the U.S. economy, workers, and consumers, and consider the impact of new technologies on the automotive rules. It establishes a multi‑agency membership, outlines how decisions are made (primarily by consensus, with a majority vote if consensus cannot be reached and tie‑breaking by the Chair), and directs specific implementing measures to be issued by relevant agencies. The order emphasizes interagency collaboration while preserving each agency’s statutory authority and budget.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and purpose of the Interagency Committee on Trade in Automotive Goods to advise on the implementation, enforcement, and modification of USMCA automotive provisions (including rules of origin and the alternative staging regime) and to review their economic and technological impacts.
- 2Membership and leadership: the Committee includes the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor, United States Trade Representative (Chair), Chair of the US International Trade Commission, and the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Secretary of the Treasury is also a member. Agencies may designate representatives, and the USTR may invite other departments or observers.
- 3Decision-making process: aims for consensus on recommendations; if consensus cannot be reached, the Committee may adopt a majority vote, with the Chair able to break ties. The Chair can determine that additional time would unduly delay implementation.
- 4Implementing measures: Treasury, Labor, and CBP are directed to issue regulations and other measures necessary to implement Section 202A of the USMCA Implementation Act, in consultation with the USTR.
- 5General provisions: each agency bears its own expenses; the order does not impair existing statutory authorities or budget processes, and it does not create enforceable rights for individuals or entities.