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ABA Convention elevated with trade policy speaker

ABA's 2026 convention speaker, trade policy expert Katherine Tai
GRAPHIC COLLAGE BY AVANT FOOD MEDIA
BY: Maddie Lambert

Maddie Lambert

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The American Bakers Association (ABA) announced that Ambassador Katherine Tai, former US trade representative from 2021 to 2025, will speak at the 2026 ABA Annual Convention, taking place April 19–23 in Colorado Springs, CO.

As the 19th US trade representative and a member of former President Biden’s cabinet, Ambassador Tai served as the principal advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade policy. She is widely recognized for her ability to build bipartisan consensus while advancing America’s global economic interests. Tai played a pivotal role in negotiations between Congressional Democrats and the Trump administration that led to the historic ramifications of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020.

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Tai also brings deep expertise shaped by her work across five presidential administrations, including her role as chief counsel for China Trade Enforcement and her experience as a World Trade Organization litigator. She offers a specialized global perspective on trade dynamics and economic strategy.

“Ambassador Tai’s unparalleled experience strengthens an already robust program and ensures our members are equipped with the insights they need to navigate what’s ahead.” — Eric Dell | president and CEO | American Bakers Association

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“ABA is committed to meeting our members where they are, with the timely information they need at the highest level possible,” said Eric Dell, president and CEO of ABA. “As issues impacting our industry evolve day by day, we are continually enhancing the Convention schedule to deliver even greater value. Ambassador Tai’s unparalleled experience strengthens an already robust program and ensures our members are equipped with the insights they need to navigate what’s ahead.”

Ambassador Tai’s session, “Trade Relations Between the United States, Canada, and Mexico: The Future of USMCA,” aligns with ABA’s continued commitment to delivering timely, high-impact content that addresses the industry’s most pressing issues. As North American trade evolves amid supply chain disruptions, shifting trade policies and geopolitical pressures, her session will explore key considerations ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. Convention attendees will gain valuable insights into the future of regional trade, policy priorities, and the implications for manufacturers and the commercial baking industry.

“Katherine Tai brings a rare combination of policy expertise and real-world negotiation experience,” said Rasma Zvaners, VP of government relations for ABA. “Her perspective on USMCA and global trade will give ABA members critical and timely context as they navigate supply chains, market access, and the broader economic environment.”

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