Kyle Johnson

About Kyle Johnson

In my role at Steptoe, I advise technology, manufacturing, and multinational clients on a wide range of international trade, tariff, and economic security issues. Drawing on more than a decade of senior government and industry experience, my work helps clients navigate fast‑evolving global policy developments, engage effectively with U.S. and foreign trade agencies and regulators, and develop strategies to manage trade, supply chain, market access, and geopolitical risks.Prior to Steptoe, I served as Senior Director of Trade Policy at the Information Technology Industry Council, where I led global advocacy trade efforts on behalf of more than 80 leading technology companies. In this role, I developed industry positions on digital trade, bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, tariffs, supply chain resilience, and broader technology and economic security issues, and regularly engaged with senior U.S. and foreign officials. I also frequently represented the technology sector in public forums and media commentary, testified in Section 301 proceedings, and led industry delegations to high‑level global policy dialogues.I also draw on significant experience at the U.S. Commerce Department\'s International Trade Administration, giving clients a practical understanding of how U.S. trade and technology policy is shaped, and how to engage effectively.My background enables me to provide deep insights into the forces influencing U.S. competitiveness, semiconductor and ICT supply chains, and bilateral and regional trade initiatives. This background also helps to translate complex regulatory and geopolitical developments into clear client strategies for addressing market‑access challenges, managing supply chain risk, and constructively interacting with policymakers.With hands‑on experience coordinating interagency processes, leading trade and technical policy teams, and managing U.S. participation in major technology trade discussions globally, I help clients anticipate where policy is heading and position accordingly.

Experience

1. Trade Policy Director

   Steptoe LLP

   Jan 2026 — Present · Washington, DC, US

Education

• University of North Dakota

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science / Communications

• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

  Master of Arts (MA), International Relations and International Economics

  2012 — 2014

• Sogang University

  Korean Language

  2012 — 2012

Skills

• Diplomacy
• Human Rights
• Foreign Policy
• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• International Development
• Communication
• Journalism
• Qualitative Research
• North Korea
• Public Policy
• International Relations
• East Asia
• Politics
• Policy Analysis
• Policy
• Economics
• International Economics
• Stata
• Quantitative Research