Policy: U.S. Policy on Health, Trade, and Commercial Issues on Tobacco
The opening of international markets to U.S. products, non-discriminatory treatment for U.S. exporters, and removal of barriers to international trade are high priorities of the U.S. Government and the Clinton Administration. At the same time, the U.S. respects the rights of foreign governments to establish and maintain sound public health practices, encourages them to do so, and, where appropriate, may support such efforts with multilateral and bilateral assistance. Given that tobacco use will be the leading global cause of premature death and preventable illness early in the 21st century, there is a need to distinguish between protectionist policies and legitimate health-based actions, so as not to undermine other countries' efforts to reduce the consumption of tobacco and tobacco products and improve the health of their citizens.
In light of the serious health consequences of tobacco use, the U.S. Government will not promote the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products or seek the reduction or removal by any foreign country of non-discriminatory restrictions on the marketing of tobacco or tobacco products. At the same time, the U.S. Government will continue to seek elimination of discriminatory trade practices and will strive to ensure that U.S. firms are accorded the same treatment in a foreign country as that country's own firms and firms from other countries.
The overall objective of this policy is to ensure equal access to a shrinking global market for tobacco. This policy also conforms to the provisions of Section 618 of the act making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the judiciary, and related agencies for FY 1998.
Text of Section 618
"None of the funds provided by this Act shall be available to promote the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products, or to seek the reduction or removal by any foreign country of restrictions on the marketing of tobacco or tobacco products, except for restrictions which are not applied equally to all tobacco or tobacco products of the same type."
In light of the serious health consequences of tobacco use, the U.S. Government will not promote the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products or seek the reduction or removal by any foreign country of non-discriminatory restrictions on the marketing of tobacco or tobacco products. At the same time, the U.S. Government will continue to seek elimination of discriminatory trade practices and will strive to ensure that U.S. firms are accorded the same treatment in a foreign country as that country's own firms and firms from other countries.
The overall objective of this policy is to ensure equal access to a shrinking global market for tobacco. This policy also conforms to the provisions of Section 618 of the act making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the judiciary, and related agencies for FY 1998.
Text of Section 618
"None of the funds provided by this Act shall be available to promote the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products, or to seek the reduction or removal by any foreign country of restrictions on the marketing of tobacco or tobacco products, except for restrictions which are not applied equally to all tobacco or tobacco products of the same type."