WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The Consumer Federation of America condemns the Trump administration's decision this week to withdraw from key international organizations, including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), warning that the move will undermine consumer protection and product safety for American families while setting back efforts to expand the circular economy and develop lower-cost sustainable products.

“This isolationist approach does not make America safer. It makes us all more vulnerable,” said Courtney Griffin, Director of Consumer Product Safety at Consumer Federation of America. “Products don’t care about national borders. A dangerous toy manufactured anywhere in the world can still end up in a child’s hands in the US within days. Protecting Americans requires engagement with, not withdrawal from, the international community.”

“This move really hurts American manufacturing, both domestically and in international markets,” said Karim D. Marshall, Director of Climate and Energy Policy at CFA. “UNCTAD is critical for making sure countries that are still building the accountability measures that exist in developed countries can establish and maintain supply chains and products that meet global standards with an eye on the future.”

The Consumer Federation of America is particularly concerned about the withdrawal from UNCTAD, given the organization's work on e-commerce consumer protection and cross-border product safety challenges. As more Americans purchase products online from international sellers, the need for international coordination and international standards have never been greater.