USTR Modifies Policy to Allow for New Zealand Admission to WTO Procurement Pact

The U.S. is set to end all government policies that allow for discriminatory procurement treatment of goods and services originating in New Zealand, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said (here). That change in policy will be brought on by New Zealand’s formal accession on Aug. 12 to the World Trade Organization’s revised Government Procurement Agreement (see 1507140056). New Zealand’s participation in the pact will bring its total membership to 44 countries, including the 28 European Union states. USTR is waiving any U.S. law that could prevent impartial treatment of New Zealand goods and services in U.S. procurement activities. Those goods and services will now receive the same procurement treatment as U.S. products, said USTR.