Summary of US Objectives in the Trans-Pacific Partnership -- E-Commerce and Telecommunications

The Office of the United States Trade Representative expects that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will put in place the most comprehensive set of rules ever negotiated addressing digital trade and the promotion of Internet-based commerce. TPP is designed to preserve the single, global, digital marketplace to ensure the free flow of global information and data that drive the digital economy. The US intends to promote trade and investment that enhances online speed, access, and quality. Here’s the US objectives:

Secure commitments not to impose customs duties on digital products (e.g., software, music, video, e-books).

Ensure non-discriminatory treatment of digital products transmitted electronically and guarantee that these products will not face government-sanctioned discrimination based on the nationality or territory in which the product is produced.

Establish requirements that support a single, global Internet, including ensuring cross-border data flows, consistent with governments’ legitimate interest in regulating for purposes of privacy protection.

Establish rules against localization requirements that force businesses to place computer infrastructure in each market in which they seek to operate, rather than allowing them to offer services from network centers that make business sense.

Ensure close cooperation among TPP countries to help businesses, especially small- and medium-sized businesses, overcome obstacles and take advantage of electronic commerce.

Secure commitments to provide reasonable network access for telecommunications suppliers through interconnection and access to physical facilities.

Establish provisions promoting choice of technology and competitive alternatives to address the high cost of international mobile roaming.

Promote public participation and transparency in the development of laws and regulations affecting the Internet, including with opportunities for public comment.

Promote competitive supply of telecommunications services by addressing key bottlenecks.