In September 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a notice inviting comments on “significant foreign trade barriers” to US exports of goods and services, for inclusion in the 2026 National Trade Estimates (NTE) Report. In response, IT for Change’s submission challenges the characterization of a range of India’s digital economy regulations and policies as trade barriers in the 2025 NTE Report. We argue that such measures are designed to advance fair competition, protect citizens’ rights, and build inclusive digital markets, and urge the USTR to adopt an approach reflecting respect for states’ sovereign right to regulate their digital economies in the public interest.
You can read our full submission here.