Ron Kirk
United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk today announced that he intends to leave the position late next month.

“It has been no less than my greatest professional privilege to serve President Barack Obama alongside the dedicated professionals of USTR,” said Kirk, who was served in the position for nearly four years.

“Together, we have made great strides to bring about the president’s vision of a more robust, responsible, and responsive trade policy that opens markets to products stamped ‘Made-in-America’ and enforces Americans’ trade rights around the world – and does so in a way that is more consistent with America’s core values on issues like the rights of workers and the environment,” Kirk said in the statement.

Kirk said trade has been a major part of Obama’s efforts to support American job, and noted “I am proud of USTR’s contribution to America’s ongoing economic recovery.”

A statement from Obama thanked Kirk for his work.

“There’s no question Ron delivered results for the American people and for our economy,” Obama said. “From bringing home new trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama and negotiating to open up new markets for American businesses, to cracking down on unfair trade practices around the world, he has been a tremendous advocate for the American worker.”

During Kirk’s time at USTR, trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama have been completed and implemented, Trans-Pacific Partnerships trade negotiations have been advanced. Also, application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to Russia was terminated, and the World Trade Organization agreement between Russia and the United States was applied.