Hatch Welcomes U.S. Progress on International Technology Trade Pact

Utah Senator Says, “Given the recent progress achieved on international trade policy at APEC, it is imperative the President now work with Congress in a bipartisan way to help pass Trade Promotion Authority.”

SALT LAKE CITY – U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today issued the following statement after the Obama Administration announced it reached a deal with China towards expanding the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), an international trade pact that works to eliminate tariffs on information technology products:

“After more than a year of stalled negotiations, the Administration’s progress with China to zero-out tariffs on information technology products, like medical devices, is welcome news. Expansion of the Information Technology Agreement would be a big win for American manufacturers, including many in my home state of Utah, who would then be able to increase their global footprint on cutting-edge technologies. Given the recent progress achieved on international trade policy at APEC, it is imperative the President now work with Congress in a bipartisan way to help pass Trade Promotion Authority. Renewal of this job-creating initiative will empower our nation to negotiate a high-quality Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement that will grow the economy, benefit the American people and achieve the goals of Congress.”

NOTE: A longtime advocate of breaking down trade barriers, Hatch has repeatedly called on the President to work with Congress to renew TPA, which expired in 2007. This Congress, Hatch introduced the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act with then-Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp. To date, Democrat Leadership in the Senate has blocked movement of the bipartisan, bicameral bill.

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