Discussion: What is the future of U.S. trade policy?

This article was originally published by Stand Together Trust.

U.S. trade policy is at a crossroads.

For generations, free trade was unquestioned in the nation's capital and other centers of global power. Multiple factors, including the rise of China in international markets, widespread emergence of populist nationalism in the United States and abroad, and the COVID-19 pandemic have shaken that foundation.

What comes next?

In four virtual panel discussions on June 15 and 16, Stand Together Trust (STT) will bring together trade policy leaders to consider the future of U.S. trade policy, the viability of a national industrial policy, and the impact free trade can have on the global economic recovery. The event will feature experts from American Compass, Atlantic Council, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Syracuse University, Young Voices, and more.

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) will join STT Vice President of Research and Policy Will Ruger on the first afternoon for a discussion of the future of free trade in the United States. The congresswoman sits on the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, which provides oversight of U.S. trade policy.

Tuesday's discussion will focus on U.S.-China relations. The economies of these two countries are more interconnected than ever, and yet the relationship has sharply deteriorated over the last few years. Panelists will discuss the direction of the relationship and how the United States can continue to engage constructively and responsibly with China.

On Wednesday, panelists will explore how free trade can help the world recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn. Speakers also will debate whether the United States should pursue a national industrial policy.