Trade Agreements Secretariat

The Trade Agreements Secretariat (TAS) works closely with counterparts in 20 U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) partner countries to ensure that the United States and its exporters are treated fairly and in accordance with agreed upon FTA commitments.

In instances where other countries may not be abiding by their FTA obligations, TAS performs a valuable compliance function to complement FTA enforcement actions and level the playing field for U.S. companies. Current activities include:

27 NAFTA and USMCA disputes
Involves 27 U.S. companies and 4 Trade Associations
Impacts over 1 million U.S. workers
Impact more than $7.5 billion in subject merchandise

Our Team

Vidya Desai

Director

Timothy Dillard

International Trade Specialist

Pamela Kirkland

International Trade Specialist

Contact information

202-482-5438
Email Our Team

TAS Electronic Filing (e-filing) System

The TAS electronic filing system is a new secure online system for administering disputes under Chapters 10 and 31 of USMCA.

Key Features of the E-filing System

Document Filing, Docketing, and Storage: Interested parties are able to file dispute documents electronically through the online system. The TAS e-filing system also logically organizes filings for easy access and serves as a central repository for all documents related to a dispute.
Account Creation: All users participating in and providing materials for proceedings are able to create secure accounts and file documents electronically. In addition, members of the public can create an account to view and download public documents associated with USMCA disputes.
Online Public Reading Room: All users within the TAS e-filing system, including the public, will be able to view public versions of dispute filings, timelines and service lists.

Visit the TAS e-filing System!

Recent FTA Dispute Settlement News and Announcements

On October 5, 2026, the NAFTA Binational Panel issued its Decision on the Second Redetermination on Remand in the matter of Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination (Secretariat File Number: USA-CDA-2017-1904-02). The Binational Panel affirmed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Second Redetermination on Remand. The Decision can be found on the Trilateral Secretariat website.
On October 8, 2026, the USMCA Binational Panel issued its Decision on the Final Determination in the matter of Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Administrative Review, 2017-2018 (Secretariat File Number: USA-CDA-2020-10.12-01). The Binational Panel affirmed in part and remanded in part the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Determination. The Decision and Order can be found in the TAS E-filing System.