Opinion | Trade Policy Lowers Hurdles

The purpose of U.S. trade policy is to lower barriers for American companies, especially startups. “U.S. Faulted for Shift on Global Tech Rules” (U.S. News, Nov. 14) alludes to progressive Democratic policy makers’ argument that Big Tech has hijacked digital-trade rules to avoid regulation. This fails to see the full picture.

The administration’s policy shift will harm the international competitiveness of U.S. startups and small businesses. Restrictions on how and when startups can transfer data across borders increase a startup’s costs and dictate where it can scale. U.S. startups need smart digital-trade policy, and it’s a shame the U.S. is leaving its startups to hope that our allies will continue to fight for low barriers to trade.