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Katherine Tai

U.S. Trade Representative (2021-2025)

U.S. Trade Representative (2021-2025) unanimously confirmed by the Senate (98-0), skilled at building bipartisan consensus while advancing America's global economic interests
Key architect of the historic United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, demonstrating remarkable diplomatic skill in bridging political divides
Former WTO litigator and Chief Counsel for China Trade Enforcement offering unique insights into global trade dynamics
Unparalleled understanding of modern U.S. trade policy across five administrations, especially the break with tradition represented by the most recent three

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Katherine Tai served as the 19th United States Trade Representative. As a member of President Biden’s cabinet, Ambassador Tai was the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy from 2021 to 2025. Ambassador Tai brings an unparalleled blend of deep expertise and pragmatic insight to her presentations, offering audiences fresh perspectives on global trade dynamics and policy challenges.

Her unanimous 98-0 confirmation by the United States Senate reflects the bipartisan collaboration and trust she has built throughout her career. As Chief Trade Counsel and Trade Subcommittee Staff Director for the House Ways and Means Committee, she played a pivotal role in negotiations between Congressional Democrats and the Trump administration, paving the way for the historic ratification of the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2020. She is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.

Ambassador Tai is also an experienced World Trade Organization (WTO) litigator. She previously developed and tried cases for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, eventually becoming Chief Counsel for China Trade Enforcement in 2011. She has also practiced law in the private sector, clerked for federal district judges, and taught English in Guangzhou, China.

Katherine Tai earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Fluent in Mandarin, she leverages her experiences in the White House, extensive policy knowledge, and legal acumen to deliver compelling, thought-provoking presentations that inform audiences.

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Katherine Tai on Tariffs

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Keeping up with the Evolving Trade Policy in the Second Trump Administration. Trade policy in the second Trump administration is expected to continue being highly active and unpredictable. This session will examine the policy rationales behind the various proposed tariffs, fees, investment and technology restrictions, and transactional deals yet to be fully defined, as well as their implications for domestic and global markets.

Trade Relations Between the United States, Canada, and Mexico: The Future of USMCA. The North American trade framework has evolved significantly, from NAFTA to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA’s ratification in 2020 was a landmark moment in U.S. trade policy, made possible through negotiations between Congressional Democrats and the first Trump administration—negotiations in which Katherine Tai played a key role. As economic and geopolitical factors continue to change—especially in light of supply chain challenges, trade policy shifts, and upcoming reviews—what are the prospects for North American trade relations? This discussion will assess key policy considerations as the 2026 review of USMCA approaches.

Tariffs and Trade Policy: Tools, Governance, and Cultural Significance. Tariffs have long been a subject of debate—viewed as either a safeguard for economic security or a driver of inflation. Beyond their economic impact, they have also become a cultural symbol, representing domestic industry and national resilience to some, while others see them as a sign of protectionism or even aggression. Their implementation, however, is shaped by a policy framework where both the executive and legislative branches play a role. While the White House drives trade negotiations and enforcement, Congress holds constitutional authority over foreign commerce, setting the limits of tariff policy through legislation and oversight. Understanding this balance of power is crucial to assessing how tariffs are used to remedy unfair trade practices, address national security concerns, and shape industrial supply chains. This discussion will explore the economic, legal, and political dimensions of tariffs and broader trade policymaking in the United States.