Robert Lighthizer is new US Trade Representative

Robert Lighthizer has been confirmed as the new United States Trade Representative (USTR). The United States Senate elected Lighthizer by a vote of 82 to 14. Lighthizer has previously served as staff director of the Senate finance committee and as deputy USTR. He also had a distinguished legal career specialising in international trade law.

Lighthizer succeeds Michael Froman, who held the position under Democratic president Barack Obama. National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and National Cotton Council (NCC) have welcomed the appointment of Robert Lighthizer as the new USTR.

"In my estimation, Ambassador Lighthizer is likely the most qualified individual ever to be confirmed to this important post," said NCTO President and CEO Auggie Tantillo. "The US textile industry is excited to work with secretary Ross and ambassador Lighthizer to fashion policy that will lead to more US textile production, investment and jobs," Tantillo added.

"Ambassador Lighthizer has extensive trade policy and trade negotiation experience with a career that includes work on Capitol Hill, at USTR and in private practice focused on trade policy and trade enforcement issues. The US cotton industry looks forward to working closely with him on short-term trade and export objectives as well as some longer term initiatives that are vitally important to a healthy US cotton industry," NCC chairman Ronnie Lee said.

Lee, a Bronwood, Ga., cotton producer, said the NCC will emphasise to Ambassador Lighthizer that strong exports and fair trade are critical components to a viable US cotton industry.