USCIB’s Natalie Bidner-Swehla and Cheryl Miller at APEC SOM3 in South Korea.

USCIB is deeply engaged at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), promoting open markets, economic development, and greater integration between the 21 member economies. In 2026, we are focused on enhanced cooperation with respect to chemicals, e-commerce, trade facilitation, the ATA Carnet System, regulatory practices, free flow of data and privacy rules, cross border delivery of AI, food security, and healthcare systems.

What’s at Stake for US Business

  • APEC members account for approximately 40 percent of the world’s population, over 60 percent of global GDP, and half of the world’s trade. It is the top economic forum in a region that actively encourages economic growth, regional cooperation, and trade and investment.
  • By 2030, two-thirds of all middle-class consumers with rising incomes will reside in the Asia-Pacific region, making open and fair market access a top priority for USCIB member companies.
  • The China 2026 host year brings challenges and opportunities. As China seeks to highlight its own innovation and technology advancements, the United States will be challenged to ensure APEC remains a platform for facilitating US leadership in AI, digital, energy/liquified natural gas (LNG), and other sectors.
  • Geopolitical dynamics could make it harder to secure concrete, business-friendly outcomes. USCIB will work to keep APEC focused on continuing to deliver practical solutions and economic opportunities for US business.

USCIB Actions

  • Advance US business input into APEC through four main channels: US government, the US APEC Business Coalition, the APEC Business Advisory Council through the National Center for APEC (NCAPEC), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
  • Directly connect USCIB members with high level government officials at issue-specific events to promote member priorities and provide insights on APEC meetings and outcomes.
  • Actively participate in APEC Alliance for Supply Chain Connectivity (A2C2) meetings and the APEC Customs Business Dialogue (ACBD) throughout the year, addressing critical issues related to customs digitalization, supply chain chokepoints, and implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
  • Promote a robust digital agenda, including the APEC AI Initiative, free and trusted cross-border data flows, and expanded market opportunities for implementation of digital technologies. Oppose the adoption of protectionist measures such as forced localization, local content requirements, and the imposition of network usage fees.
  • Support regulatory convergence across APEC economies in areas including life sciences, sustainability disclosure frameworks, and food security.

Resources

Chair

Vacant

Staff

APEC Senior Leaders Summit:
Alice Slayton Clark
Senior Vice President for Trade, Investment, and Digital
asclark@uscib.org

APEC Chemicals:
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman
Senior Vice President, Global Impact Initiatives
kkaufman@uscib.org

APEC Customs and Trade Facilitation:
Michael Rousek
Vice President, Customs and Trade Facilitation
mrousek@uscib.org

Staff

APEC Digital and AI:
Cheryl Miller
Vice President, Digital
cmiller@uscib.org

APEC Food Security:
Natalie Bidner-Swehla
Director, International Agriculture
nbidner@uscib.org

APEC Healthcare Systems:
Ashley Harrington
Manager, Health and Sustainability
aharrington@uscib.org

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