WCIT Blog

WCIT hosted its annual Trade Summit on May 29, 2024, in Seattle, bringing together a diverse group of experts to tackle critical issues in international trade and help to answer how the Northwest can continue to grow its trade economy and the jobs it supports.

WCIT expresses deep concern over the recent decision by the U.S. to withdraw from digital trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). This move, which U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said aims to provide Congress with room to regulate big tech firms, has significant implications for the economy, both in the Northwest and throughout the United States.

With the Canadian government’s push to unilaterally implement a digital services tax (DST) that discriminates against American companies because of their leadership in innovating and delivering digital services, WCIT urges the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to work to ensure a fair and level playing field for technology companies operating in the U.S. and Canada.

We stand at a critical juncture in international trade and intellectual property rights as the WTO considers expanding TRIPS waivers to COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics. This would expand the waiver already in place for COVID-19 vaccines – repeating their initial mistake.

Every year, Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) members and staff travel to Washington, D.C., to meet in person with members of Congress, the Administration, and trade policy experts. Our goals are to: Deliver a message of the importance of international...

WCIT members and others gathered in Seattle for the 2023 WCIT Trade Summit. We summarize what was discussed and next steps in this article.

WCIT members tour the Port of Seattle to learn more about how it helps drive international trade in the Northwest and to see some of its recent enhancements.

WCIT President, Lori Otto Punke, recently visited the Port of Vancouver, Washington as part of the Port’s community lecture series.