WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Susan Schwab announced the filing of a case before the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address the European Union’s application of tariffs to a variety of high-tech products that should enjoy duty-free treatment under the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA). Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) issued the following joint statement in response to USTR’s announcement:
“We of course welcome this announcement. We and other Members of Congress have repeatedly urged action on this specific issue - in March and August of 2007, again in March of this year, and as recently as last week. We have also urged the Administration to act on a number of other issues to strengthen the enforcement of U.S. rights under trade agreements and trade laws.
“The Clinton Administration filed an average of 11 WTO cases each year. The Bush Administration has filed an average of just 3 cases per year. The result has been fewer opportunities for U.S. exporters to sell their goods and services in foreign markets - and dwindling support for new trade agreements to open new markets for U.S. exporters.
“Legislation is needed to ensure a more assertive approach to the enforcement of our international agreements and trade laws. The Committee will consider enforcement legislation in the coming months."
Please click on the following links to view letters to the Administration urging action on this issue:
May 21, 2008 Letter
March 28, 2008 Letter (National Trade Estimate (NTE) letter)
Aug. 1, 2007 ITA letter
March 29, 2007 NTE Letter
