WASHINGTON, USA – The United States is sending a team of experts, led by US senior official Casey Mace and joined by acting principal deputy assistant secretary of state for Oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs Ruth Perry, to the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2026 Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM1) in Guangzhou, China, February 1-10, to further advance the Trump administration’s America First foreign policy priorities.
During SOM1, the United States will deepen efforts to open Asian markets to American exports and continue to promote deregulation and US-friendly business policies.
The United States is taking decisive action at SOM1 to combat illegal fishing, marine debris, and the illicit timber trade, which threaten American businesses, workers, and our national security. By promoting American technology and industry, we are opening new markets in Asia, restoring a level playing field for American companies, and supporting good jobs at home while leading international efforts to protect the environment.
The United States is proud of the leading role we have played in APEC. The United States has hosted APEC three times, and our companies, technology, and workers have been instrumental to building a prosperous Asia-Pacific. APEC is crucial to pursuing America First foreign, trade, and investment policies that advance US prosperity by breaking down barriers for business, boosting fair and reciprocal trade, and supporting job growth.