The Forum on Democracy & Trade

Gov. Gregoire letter to US Trade Representative

Washington Governor Christine Gregoire outlined her concerns with the Investor-state dispute resolution system in a 2005 letter.

Chinese Trade Practices and Maine Paper Mills

How effective are current mechanisms for state/federal consultation related to unfair Chinese trade practices resulting in paper industry layoffs?

The Boston Tea Party Revisited: Massachusetts Boycotts Burma

Robert Stumberg and William Warren's 1999 article in State Legislatures Magazine.

How does the WTO agreement on government procurement impact human rights criteria for state purchasing decisions?

A Massachusetts law meant to discourage businesses from doing business with the brutal Burmese dictatorship has conflicted with international trade rules on government procurement.

H.B. No. 2199 - A Bill for an Act Relating to International Trade Agreements

An Act which would prohibit the binding of state government programs to procurement rules contained in an international trade agreement without legislative action.

NAFTA Chapter 11 Investor-State Disputes

Scott Sinclair of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives has summarized all NAFTA Chapter 11 cases through January 1, 2008.

China Alleges that a Maryland Bill to Protect Children from Lead Poisoning Could Violate WTO Rules

A look at the allegations by the Peoples Republic of China that a Bill, Introduced by Del. Jim Hubbard in the Maryland House of Delegates to Protect Children from Lead Poisoning, Could Violate World Trade Organization Rules.

Letter Notifying USTR that Maine Does Not Consent to Procurement in FTAs

Gov. Baldacci sights concerns that the procurement provisions of the Free Trade Agreements with Panama and the Andean Community would harm Maine's state policies.

Letter on GATS and Federal/State Consultation

Gov. Baldacci writes USTR to express concern that federal negotiators have inadequately consulted with state authorities, endangering Maine's healthcare programs.

Rep. Michael Michaud Introduces New TRADE Act

A new 'fair trade bill, with sixty co-sponsors in the House and Senate, was introduced in Congress this week. The Trade Reform Accountability Development and Employment (TRADE) Act outlines a possible new path for U.S. trade policy.

Report on the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement

Report to the U.S. Trade Representative illustrating concerns IGPAC Members have with federal/state consultations in the trade negotiations with Peru.

Report on the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Report to the U.S. Trade Representative illustrating concerns IGPAC Members have with federal/state consultations in the trade negotiations with Australia.

Recommendations and Comments on the US Submission for the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Negotiations

Memorandum explaining state and local government concerns over the US negotiation position on services negotiations at the World Trade Organization before the Hong Kong Ministerial.

Report on the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Report to the U.S. Trade Representative illustrating concerns IGPAC Members have with federal/state consultations in the trade negotiations with Colombia.

Recommendations for Improving Federal-State Trade Policy Coordination

Memorandum to the U.S. Trade Representative proposing ways to improve consultations between trade negotiators and state and local governments.