Over the past several years, in various international fora such as the WTO, USTR has been exploring how we can apply trade tools effectively to help promote more circular economies. Moving to a net-zero future will require a rapid transition in our economies, including options for reducing demand for virgin inputs into goods. More circular approaches to production, use, and disposal will help to keep goods in productive use for as long as possible, and in so doing, decrease demand for virgin resources and materials and lower overall carbon footprints. Below is more information about our work on these issues.

WTO Trade and Environment Week Sessions hosted by the United States

• October 2022 - “Supporting More Circular Economies through Trade Policy for Climate Change Solutions” 
• June 2023 – “Circular Economy and Remanufacturing” – Link to Abstract and Live Webcast Recording 
• October 2024 – “After the Car Leaves the Road: Improving Circularity for EV Batteries and Critical Minerals Through Trade”