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US Joins APEC 2026 Talks in Guangzhou to Push "America First" Trade

The United States is participating in the first APEC 2026 Senior Officials' Meeting in Guangzhou, China, led by Senior Official Casey Mace. The delegation aims to advance America First priorities by opening Asian markets to US exports and promoting deregulation. Key agenda items include combating illegal fishing, marine debris, and the illicit timber trade to protect American interests. The US emphasized its long-standing role in APEC as a platform for pursuing fair trade and economic growth in the region.

Key Points: US at APEC 2026 Meeting in Guangzhou for America First Policy

  • Open Asian markets for US exports
  • Combat illegal fishing and timber trade
  • Promote deregulation and US tech
  • Support job creation at home
3 min read

US participates in first APEC 2026 senior officials' meeting in Guangzhou

The US delegation at the APEC 2026 Senior Officials' Meeting in Guangzhou aims to open Asian markets for exports and combat illegal fishing and timber trade.

"advance the Trump Administration's America First foreign policy priorities - official statement"

Guangzhou, February 7

The United States is participating in the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2026 Senior Officials' Meeting and Related Meetings in Guangzhou, China, as part of efforts to advance the Trump Administration's America First foreign policy priorities, an official statement said.

According to an official release, the US delegation is led by US Senior Official Casey Mace and includes Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Ruth Perry. The meetings are being held from February 1 to 10.

During SOM1, the United States aims to deepen efforts to open Asian markets to American exports while continuing to promote deregulation and US-friendly business policies.

The statement said the US is taking decisive action at the meeting to combat illegal fishing, marine debris, and the illicit timber trade, which it said threaten American businesses, workers, and national security. By promoting American technology and industry, the United States seeks to open new markets in Asia, restore a level playing field for American companies, and support job creation at home, while also leading international efforts to protect the environment.

The United States also highlighted its long-standing role within APEC, noting that it has hosted the forum three times. US companies, technology, and workers have played a significant role in contributing to economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the official press release, APEC remains a key platform for pursuing America First foreign, trade, and investment policies, which aim to break down barriers to business, promote fair and reciprocal trade, and support job growth.

According to the United States Trade Representative's official website, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the leading forum in the Asia-Pacific for facilitating trade, investment, economic growth, and regional cooperation.

APEC membership includes: Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; the Philippines; the Russian Federation; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; the United States of America; Vietnam.

Decisions within APEC are reached by consensus, and commitments are voluntary. APEC has helped reduce tariffs and other trade barriers across the region, driving economic growth and international trade.

Key to achieving APEC's vision are the "Bogor Goals," APEC's foundational goals of free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific: by 2010 for industrialised economies and by 2020 for developing economies. These goals were adopted by Leaders at their 1994 meeting in Bogor, Indonesia.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian, I'm more interested in how India can leverage such forums. We are not an APEC member, which is a disadvantage. While the US and China discuss market access, India needs to actively pursue its own trade partnerships in the region. Our "Make in India" needs more such platforms. 🤔
R
Rohit P
The US talking about a "level playing field" is a bit rich, considering their own subsidies and tariffs. Every country looks out for its own interests first—that's just geopolitics. Hope India is watching closely and learning how to navigate these big power trade discussions.
S
Sarah B
The environmental goals mentioned—combating marine debris and illegal fishing—are crucial for the entire Asia-Pacific, including the Indian Ocean region. This is where multilateral cooperation is essential, beyond just "America First" rhetoric. Hope concrete action follows.
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Vikram M
APEC's voluntary commitments and consensus model sound good, but do they work in practice with such diverse members? The US-China tensions will be the real test. For India, focusing on RCEP and bilateral agreements might be more pragmatic than waiting for APEC membership.
K
Kavya N
It's always about opening markets for *their* exports. What about fair access for developing economies' products and services? The "Bogor Goals" deadline for developing economies was 2020—we're past that. The framework needs updating to be more equitable. Just my two paise.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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