WASHINGTON — April 17, 2015 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) endorses the introduction of legislation to renew Trade Promotion Authority as introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, ranking member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and House Way and Means Chairman Paul Ryan, R, Wis. The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA-2015) would establish congressional negotiating objectives and consultation mechanisms involving international trade agreements currently being negotiated by the U.S. government.
“We are pleased to lend our support to this renewal of Trade Promotion Authority,” said NCTO President Augustine Tantillo. “We look forward to working with both the Executive Branch and Congress as we advocate for trade agreements that fully incorporate the interests of U.S. textile manufacturers. It is critical that these trade agreements help to level the international playing field and boost American exports, create manufacturing jobs, and strengthen the U.S. economy.”
Among the various negotiating objectives included in the bill is textile-specific language adressing the need for fair market access in trade negotiations.
Subparagraph 2(b) (18) of the bill reads:
Textile Negotiations: The principal negotiating objectives with respect to trade in textiles and apparel are to obtain opportunities for U.S. exports of textiles and apparel in foreign markets substantially equivalent to the competitive opportunities afforded foreign exports in U.S. markets and to acheive fairer and more open conditions of trade in textiles and apparel.
Posted April 21, 2015
Source: NCTO
