Senate Confirms Deputy U.S. Trade Representative for Geneva Post

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Senate recently confirmed Joseph Barloon as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in Geneva, where he will lead U.S. engagement at the World Trade Organization (WTO) while representing American trade interests.

Barloon is a veteran trade lawyer and former general counsel at USTR under the first Trump Administration from 2019-2020.  As general counsel, he led U.S. enforcement actions against China, India, France, and numerous other countries, and was responsible for U.S. litigation at the WTO.  He also oversaw the adoption and implementation of trade agreements, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. 

“With Barloon’s confirmation, U.S. agriculture will once again have a strong advocate on the ground in Geneva,” said Karah Janevicius, USA Rice director of international trade policy.  “The U.S. rice industry is hopeful that under his leadership, the U.S. will continue to elevate our long-standing concerns with India’s over-subsidization policies and practices that distort global rice trade.”

In his new position, Barloon will coordinate with other WTO members to advance U.S. positions on dispute settlement reform and negotiations ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled for next March in Cameroon.  His leadership is critical as the U.S. identifies next steps in the ongoing efforts to modernize and reform the WTO, including the Dispute Settlement Body. 

“Moving forward, USA Rice supports the full funding of the U.S. membership to the WTO and we look forward to the opportunity to work with Ambassador Barloon in Geneva to hold India accountable and advocate for a level playing field in the global rice market,” said Janevicius.

Later this month, USA Rice staff will travel to Geneva to participate in meetings with WTO delegates, including those at the U.S. Mission to reaffirm the agriculture industry’s support for the global body.