Industry Applauds Obama Administration for Progress on Free Trade Agreements

The agreements are critically important to increasing the exports of U.S. food and consumer products, and the Administration has asked the Senate and House to pass the legislation as soon as possible.

Oct 5 2011 --- The Grocery Manufacturers Association praised the Obama administration for sending to Congress legislation on free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. The agreements are critically important to increasing the exports of U.S. food and consumer products, and the Administration has asked the Senate and House to pass the legislation as soon as possible.

“We urge Congress to implement these free trade agreements as soon as possible,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president & CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. “The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry exports $50 billion worth of goods to 215 countries around the globe, generating a $10 billion trade surplus.

“By passing FTAs with South Korea, Panama and Colombia, we will create a level playing field for U.S. products that increase our competitiveness in those countries and help the food, beverage and CPG industry innovate, expand and create new jobs. Our competitors have negotiated their own trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. The European Union’s trade agreement with South Korea went into effect July 1, and a trade agreement between Colombia and Canada became effective Aug. 15.

“The food, beverage and CPG industry is an important cornerstone of the U.S. and global economy and quick passage of these agreements will ensure U.S. goods will not be placed at a competitive disadvantage.”
 
The U.S. Grains Council also applauded the U.S. Administration in its renewed push for the passage of three pending bilateral trade agreements, including Colombia, Korea and Panama. “We are encouraged by the Administration’s submission of the long-standing free trade agreements (FTAs) for ratification by Congress,” said Dr. Wendell Shauman, USGC chairman and Illinois corn farmer. “Passage of these agreements will help to immediately level the playing field and allow organizations like the Council to aggressively re-engage with our international partners and win back lost market share.”