Explanation of Vote for the Second Committee Adoption of the Commodities Resolution

Thomas Carnahan
U.S. Public Delegate
New York, New York
November 18, 2021

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Chair.

Although the United States agrees with the importance of this resolution, we cannot join consensus on it. The United States would like to highlight our concerns with this text. As in previous years, we must express our concerns over portions of this resolution which make obsolete references to the world financial and economic crisis, attribute supposed negative impacts on economic and social development to vague and sweeping references to certain trade practices and trade barriers, and inappropriately calls upon international financial institutions and other non-UN organizations to take actions that are beyond the scope of what this resolution should properly address. We note that trade language negotiated or adopted by the General Assembly or Economic and Social Council, or under their auspices, has no relevance for U.S. trade policy, for our trade obligations or commitments, or for the agenda of the WTO.

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