Ambassador Ron Kirk is the United States Trade Representative (USTR). He is a member of President Obama’s Cabinet and serves as the President's principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
Since Ambassador Kirk was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2009, he has led USTR in developing trade policies that are proactive, responsible, and more responsive to our interests – recognizing that trade can be a job-creating pillar of economic recovery here and abroad.
Ambassador Kirk has directed USTR’s market-opening agenda through negotiations and dialogue with trading partners around the world. These initiatives include working to conclude and advance bilateral free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama, advancing the ambitious regional Trans-Pacific Partnership talks, and sustaining serious U.S. engagement in the Doha round of multilateral negotiations at the World Trade Organization. Ambassador Kirk has also simultaneously pursued robust enforcement of America’s trade rights in support of U.S. businesses and workers, and he has focused efforts to better assist American small businesses seeking opportunities in international markets.
Ambassador Kirk brings both public service and private sector experience to USTR. He served two terms as the first African-American mayor of Dallas. Prior to becoming mayor, he served as Texas Secretary of State under Governor Ann Richards. In addition, Ambassador Kirk has practiced law as a partner in the international law firm Vinson & Elkins, LLP. He was named one of "The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America" by The National Law Journal in 2008.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Ambassador Kirk graduated from Austin College and earned his law degree at the University of Texas School of Law. Ambassador Kirk is married to Matrice Ellis-Kirk and they have two daughters.
Ambassador Ron Kirk's Posts
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Jobs On The Way: U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement Takes Effect Today
March 15, 2012 at 10:37 AM EDTThe tariff cuts in the agreement will increase exports of American goods by $10-11 billion, supporting an estimated 70,000 jobs across the country
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Enforcing Trade Agreements Protects Jobs
February 21, 2012 at 12:10 PM EDTThe enforcement of trade agreements is vital to the success of large U.S. exporters, as well as hundreds of firms of every size throughout the global supply chain
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Ambassador Kirk Updates the President's Export Council on 2011 Trade Updates and Initiatives
November 16, 2011 at 7:10 PM EDTThe President's Export Council met to discuss ways to reach the President's goal of doubling our nation's exports by the end of 2014.
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President Obama Signs Historic Legislation Signaling Progress on Trade and Jobs
October 21, 2011 at 10:04 AM EDTThese trade agreements will help put Americans back to work and grow America’s economy
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Congress Passes President Obama’s Trade Measures to Support American Jobs and Exports
October 13, 2011 at 4:08 PM EDTEvery $1 billion of exports of American goods is estimated to support more than 6,000 additional jobs here at home
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Trade Agreements Will Help Create Export-Supported Jobs in America
October 4, 2011 at 5:45 PM EDTThese agreements will make it cheaper, faster, and easier for U.S. producers to sell more American goods and services in the growing markets of Korea, Colombia and Panama
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Expanding Trade to the Asia-Pacific Region, Supporting American Jobs
May 18, 2011 at 3:30 PM EDTUnited States Trade Representative Ron Kirk writes on the goals of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) annual meetings.
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Creating More Export Opportunities for American Small Businesses
May 16, 2011 at 10:57 AM EDTUnited States Trade Representative Ron Kirk encourages small businesses across the country to consider the advantages of exporting to one of our trade agreement country partners.
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Seizing Opportunities to Support American Jobs, American Values in Trade
March 18, 2011 at 2:33 PM EDTPresident Obama set an ambitious goal of doubling U.S. exports by 2015, supporting at least two million additional American jobs. As the President departs for Latin America to promote U.S. exports and U.S. jobs, the Office of the United States Trade Representative are continuing to work on three pending free trade agreements – with Korea, Panama, and Colombia – that can support these National Export Initiative goals.
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Ambassador Ron Kirk's Story: Standing Up for American Producers Around the World
February 24, 2011 at 3:19 PM EDTAs we continue the Celebrating Black History Month series, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk talks about the need to improve American education to stay competitive in a global economy.
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