U.S. Chamber Calls PNTR for China Vital to American Businesses, Farmers and Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce told Congress that Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) for China is vital to our national economic prosperity in testimony before the Senate Finance Committee.

"A vote against PNTR is not a vote against China. It is a vote against American businesses, workers and farmers," said Steve Van Andel, Chairman of the Amway Corporation and a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors. "Unless we grant China PNTR, we will not receive the benefits of the agreement – but our foreign competitors will."

Testifying on behalf of the Chamber, Mr. Van Andel urged Congress to consider the benefits to the U.S. in China's lowering – and in some cases removing – the substantial barriers to their market. Under the agreement with China, industrial tariffs will fall from an average of 25 percent to 9.4 percent by 2005, agricultural tariffs will be cut in half by 2004, and even deeper cuts are promised on American exports of beef and pork. Barriers to corn, wheat, rice, barley, soybeans and other commodities will be eliminated.

"China will enter the World Trade Organization without regard to our action on PNTR," said Van Andel. "China must adopt international standards. By their focus on international standards, Chinese officials are saying to us that they will strive to meet the standards that apply to the United States as well."

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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