WASHINGTON – October 29, 2020 – In comments submitted today to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report, BSA urged policymakers to support open markets and combat digital trade barriers. In its comments, BSA identified policies of concern in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the European Union (EU). Digital trade barriers and data protectionism inhibit global economic growth during a time when economic recovery depends upon cross-border access to software and cloud computing services.

“COVID-19 has produced unprecedented economic challenges. Digital trade is playing a key role in attenuating the effects of this public health emergency,” said Joseph Whitlock, Director, Policy at BSA | The Software Alliance. “Remote, software-powered tools for work, health, and education are critical to sustaining economies and keeping workers and students engaged. We urge policymakers to maintain a strong commitment to policies that will foster the economic response and recovery to COVID-19.”

Read BSA’s full comments here: https://www.bsa.org/policy-filings/us-bsa-2020-national-trade-estimate-submission-to-ustr