Tuesday, March 9, 2021
The European Union (EU) continues to face COVID-19 vaccine production challenges in the bloc, along with increased COVID-19 infection cases driven by the mutating coronavirus. Whereas the United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) have seen declines in COVID-19 cases, which is allowing for some easing of restrictions. Tension between the EU and UK remains heightened, particularly with respect to customs issues at Ireland/Northern Ireland’s border. Nevertheless, transatlantic partners came together on some sanctions actions this week.
In the US, the Biden Administration moved this week to suspend the duties imposed against UK and EU goods towards negotiating a settlement in the 16-year large civil aircraft dispute with European countries. The US Senate took another step toward confirming Katherine Tai as the next US Trade Representative this week, while Gina Raimondo officially joined President Joe Biden’s Cabinet as his Secretary of Commerce. Biden Administration officials also outlined America’s foreign and trade policy priorities this past week.