USTR-2026-0498
US Trade Representative docket collecting comments for the 2027 National Trade Estimate report.
USTR-2026-0498 is the docket the US Trade Representative opened on 14 September 2026 to gather comment for its 2027 National Trade Estimate report, naming the EU among markets facing scrutiny over digital trade barriers.
Last refreshed: 22 September 2026
Timeline for USTR-2026-0498
Mentioned in: Washington opens its file on EU rules
European Tech SovereigntyBackground
USTR-2026-0498 is the docket number the Office of the United States Trade Representative opened on 14 September 2026 for public comment on the 2027 National Trade Estimate report. The notice names the European Union among export markets to be assessed for barriers to cross-border data flows and other technology restrictions, and closes on 29 October 2026.
USTR runs this comment window annually. Comments not used in the 2027 report are retained for possible use in future trade discussions or negotiations, in the agency's own wording, so the docket's relevance is not confined to this year's report cycle.
Docket targets EU digital barriers
USTR opened the docket on 14 September 2026 for public comment ahead of its 2027 National Trade Estimate report, naming the EU among markets to be assessed for barriers to cross-border data flows and other technology restrictions . The comment window closes 29 October 2026.
USTR's own wording says comments not used in the 2027 report are retained for possible use in future trade negotiations, so the docket can outlast this year's report and resurface in later disputes over EU digital rules.