Clete Willems Comments to Wall Street Journal on Possible U.S.-China Trade Deal

May 1, 2019

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The Wall Street Journal has quoted incoming Akin Gump public law and policy partner Clete Willems in the article “U.S.-China Trade Deal in Sight After Progress on Tariffs, Market Access.” He spoke about a trade deal between Washington and Beijing that is reportedly close to being reached.

The article reports that U.S. and Chinese negotiators have been looking this week for ways to narrow the divide on several longstanding issues. A final deal, however, according to the article, could mean accepting less sweeping terms than some on the U.S. side have sought.

“The administration is engaged in a whole-of-government approach with China,” said Willems. “Not everything will be part of the deal.”

The article reports that there have been disagreements over whether Washington would keep in place some of the tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods as leverage to enforce compliance with any deal. Beijing wants their complete removal, while U.S. officials have suggested that $50 billion, the amount of the first tranche of tariffs, could remain.

China is also seeking to block a U.S. push for an enforcement process under which Beijing would agree not to retaliate should the United States impose tariffs on China for failing to live up to some pledges.

“From the U.S. perspective, it’s important that if there is a breach of the agreement, action can be taken,” said Willems. “It’s critical that this action doesn’t lead to a cycle of retaliation.”

Willems, who served as a key international economics advisor to President Trump and lead trade negotiator with foreign governments, including China, will join the firm next month. (Click here to read more.)

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