Chamber Urges Early Congressional Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce, testifying today at a Ways and Means hearing, urged Congress to pass Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) for China quickly to ensure American businesses, workers and consumers reap the benefit of lower barriers to trade.

"As the person who signs the paychecks that support 160 families, I know that opening China's markets means greater sales and a more certain future for small businesses like my company," said Leon Trammell, Chairman and founder of Tramco, Inc., a 33-year old conveying equipment company and member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce International Policy Committee.

Testifying on behalf of the Chamber, Mr. Trammell urged Congress to consider the benefits lowering the barriers to China's market will bring to small businesses. "China will make enormous concessions to open its markets to America's leading products and services, creating new opportunities for American companies, workers and farmers. These new market opportunities will support U.S. jobs and U.S. economic expansion into the new century," said Trammell.

Congressional approval of PNTR for China is necessary if American companies are to benefit from the agreement that the U.S. trade negotiators hammered out with China last year, the Chamber noted. Regardless of whether the United States holds up its end of the deal, other WTO members will reap the reward.

"It's like standing at the railroad station waiting for the train and as it rumbles down the track, it does not stop for you," Trammell said. "What's worse, it has your foreign competitors on board."

The U.S.–China trade deal is a landmark opportunity to open up China's vast market to American companies of all sizes, while ensuring that China abides by international rules and regulations, according to the Chamber. Congress must recognize that lower trade barriers and tariffs mean new opportunities for businesses, more jobs, better wages and economic growth.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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