Topic: Ron Kirk

US considers end to tariffs in Myanmar: Too soon?

Though the country has gone through a series of reforms, Human Rights Watch has recently thrown allegations of 'ethnic cleansing' at the government.

Global News Blog US, EU, and Japan challenge China’s rare earth export restrictions

In a tripartite challenge against China's export restrictions on rare earth materials, the US, European Union, and Japan filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization. 

Europe's Internet revolt: protesters see threats in antipiracy treaty

Anger over proposed antipiracy treaty ACTA was expected to bring thousands to Europe's streets today. Supporters say it will better protect intellectual labor, while opponents see free speech threats. 

US leans on Guatemala to enforce trade pact

The Obama administration's case against Guatemala, over its failure to protect unions within its borders, is seen as an attempt to garner US union support for stalled trade agreements.

Q and A with US Trade Representative Ron Kirk

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk discussed the importance of trade in today's economy, reports that he will be named Commerce Secretary, and whether growth of China's trade with Latin America is a threat at a March 10 Monitor lunch.

Trade as the next stage in the US 'reset' with Russia

In his trip to Moscow, Vice President Biden emphasized trade and commerce as the next stage in the 'reset' of relations between the United States and Russia. He's on the right track.

US 'well ahead' of pace needed to double exports, US trade rep says (video)

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk says the country is on track to double exports over a five-year period – a target laid out by President Obama.

David Stern, beware. Obama official covets NBA commissioner's job. (video)

There's some talk about US Trade Representative Ron Kirk becoming the next Commerce secretary. But he calls his post 'fun' and says the only job he'd rather have is NBA commissioner.

Back from Asia, Obama weighs strategic partnerships, China's economic muscle

Obama's stops in India and Indonesia balanced security with economic pressures. But back-to-back global summits in Japan and South Korea underscored the administration’s weaker hand with China.

Why some economists see a looming US-China trade war

From the halls of Congress to the World Trade Organization, US officials are increasingly criticizing China trade and currency policies – blaming them for America's huge trade deficit.

Benigno Aquino III takes oath of office; sworn in as Philippine leader

Benigno Aquino III was sworn in Wednesday as the Philippines' 15th president. Benigno Aquino was joined by diplomats from more than 80 countries and two former Philippine presidents at the ceremony.

Texas primary: Kay Bailey Hutchison couldn't pull a Sarah Palin

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison failed in her GOP primary challenge to Texas Gov. Rick Perry. History shows it's difficult to oust a sitting governor. Sarah Palin, in 2006, was the last to do it.

Ron Kirk rejects any 'timeout' on new NAFTA-like free trade pacts

Ron Kirk, US trade representative, wants lawmakers to push ahead on new free trade pacts. Some Democrats advocate a timeout to assess the effects of existing accords such as NAFTA.

White House asks US clothing companies to 'Buy Haitian'

The Obama administration on Tuesday asked US clothing companies to source 1 percent of their production from Haiti. The 'Plus One' effort is designed to help the earthquake-ravaged country get back on its feet.

US foot-dragging dims hopes for world trade deal

Chances of world trade deal look remote in part because the US has other bigger priorities.

Obama's new tune on trade

Candidate Obama opposed new free-trade agreements and wanted to renegotiate NAFTA. A global slump has changed his mind.

Ho-hum. Another Obama nominee doesn't pay taxes

USA

Obama "slights" the South in picking his team

Regional rivalries may no longer count, especially in tough times like these.

Obama's fusion cabinet

He's expanding the definition of diversity beyond race and gender to include differing views.

Obama's Labor pick a green-jobs advocate

Barack Obama has tapped Rep. Hilda Solis, a California Democrat, to head the Department of Labor, a sign that creating green jobs will be a top priority in his administration's labor policies.

Obama's green team

At a news conference in Chicago Monday, Barack Obama announced many of his energy and environment appointees, a team that many say signals a sharp break from Bush administration policies toward pollution, wildlife, clean energy, and climate change.