Washington, D.C. – This week support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) continued to gain momentum as major business coalitions and U.S. manufacturers added their voices to a growing chorus calling for Congressional passage of the agreement, which will boost Made in America exports and level the playing field for American workers, farmers, and businesses. The endorsements this week from the National Association of Manufacturers, the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber Commerce combined with recent support from the National Small Business Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation are representative of the growing coalition of support for TPP from U.S. economic and industry leaders. In voicing their support the groups have pointed to the economic benefits of the agreement, which include the elimination of more than 18,000 taxes that other countries place on Made in America exports, and to rules that will protect American workers and innovation. The diverse groups supporting TPP have also recognized the cost of inaction at a time when U.S. competitors are actively negotiating alternative trade models that don’t reflect our values and that would put our businesses and farmers at a disadvantage.
“This is a recognition of the broad benefits that TPP will deliver for the workers, farmers and ranchers who make up America’s economic backbone,” said U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman. “Whether it’s cutting over 18,000 taxes that other countries place on our exports, protecting American innovation, or setting rules that reflect our values and priorities in some of the largest and fastest-growing markets across the Asia-Pacific region, TPP will deliver for the bottom lines of American families and businesses. This support also underscores the need for the U.S. to lead, not sit on the sidelines, at this critical moment. Exporters in every sector of the U.S. economy increasingly realize that the cost to the U.S. economy of delaying TPP will be billions of dollars lost to our foreign competitors. Working with Congressional leaders, we will continue to work for passage of TPP as soon as possible to ensure that the economic benefits these endorsements cite are not delayed.”
Below are excerpts from just some of the key endorsements TPP has recently received:
“Business Roundtable supports the TPP because this significant agreement will promote U.S. economic leadership and much-needed U.S. growth and jobs by expanding U.S. trade opportunities and setting strong new rules for international commerce. We want Congress to approve the TPP this year. To that end, we are urging the Administration to quickly address the remaining issues that impact certain business sectors in order to ensure the broadest possible benefits to all sectors of U.S. business, which will enable the broadest support possible for the TPP.” - Business Roundtable Chairman Tom Linebarger
“Steep tariffs and other trade barriers too often deny a level playing field for U.S.-made products and services in the Asia-Pacific region. The TPP will remedy this by eliminating all tariffs on U.S. exports of manufactured goods, opening new markets for American agricultural exports, and strengthening trade in services. It will boost economic growth, provide new opportunities for small businesses, and enhance job creation in the U.S. and the other TPP nations. – U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom J. Donahue
“American farmers need improved access to markets around the Pacific Rim in order to generate growing demand for our products in the future… This agreement goes a long way in establishing a much more level playing field for our nation’s farmers and ranchers.” - American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman
“After careful analysis, the NAM will support the TPP as it will open markets and put manufacturers in a much stronger position to compete in an important and growing region of the world. Support for the TPP, which allows manufacturers to be more competitive in a global economy, is in keeping with the NAM’s principles. Without such an agreement, the United States would be ceding economic leadership to other global powers, letting them set the rules of economic engagement in the region.” National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons
“The TPP is a positive step forward for U.S. exporters, and particularly small firms who often face insurmountable hurdles to exporting their goods and services…Exporting continues to be a sought-after avenue for many small firms, and trade deals such as TPP can break down many barriers that prevent small firms from expanding their businesses globally.” - National Small Business Association President and CEO Todd McCracken
These TPP endorsements join those from a wide range of industry and business organizations that innovate, manufacture, and support Made-in-America exports. Tech groups like the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the Tech CEO Council, and the Software Information Industry Association (SIIA), e-commerce groups like FedEx and DHL, food and beverage groups like the Wine Institute and the Distilled Spirits Council, and ag organizations like the Northwest Horticultural Council, American Soybean Association, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) are among the diverse group of organizations that have voiced support for the TPP and its economic benefits.
The TPP will provide new market access and opportunities for American businesses and exports, and set high-standard rules for trade within the 21st century global economy. To learn more about the agreement, please visit USTR’s TPP website.
