Trade With the European Union: Recent Trends and Electronic Commerce Issues.
Abstract
I am pleased to have this opportunity to provide this statement for the record for your hearing on October 13,1999, on U.S. trade with the European Union (EU). As major trading partners, the United States and the EU are currently addressing several trade-related issues, including their approach to electronic commerce, or e-commerce. My statement will focus specifically on (1) the size and composition of U.S.-EU trade and investment flows from 1992 through 1998 and (2) U.S.-EU efforts to facilitate e-commerce. My observations are based on GAO's past and ongoing work,' our analysis of trade and investment data, our review of executive branch and other documents, and our discussions with U.S. government and private sector officials. The sizeable and growing U.S.-EU trade relationship is dominated by flows of sophisticated manufactured goods and services and extensive cross-Atlantic investment. E-commerce has tremendous potential for facilitating U.S.-EU trade, but it also raises numerous issues, including consumer protection and market access. The United States and the EU are attempting to lower these potential barriers to e-commerce through the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other forums.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 13, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA369796
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office