ASA and the Trade Benefits America (TBA) Coalition sent a letter this week urging passage of the bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation this year. The letter, addressed to congressional leadership, stated action on TPA is needed to help ensure high-standard outcomes in the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, which the United States and 11 other Asia-Pacific countries are striving to complete. The groups said it is vital for the United States to implement high-standard trade agreements as soon as possible to help expand U.S. commerce with other countries.

“TPA is particularly important now, given ongoing efforts to close the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and the Administration’s goal of then seeking its Congressional approval this year,” groups state in the letter. “TPA is also critical to advancing the broader U.S. trade agenda, including the ongoing talks on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the Trade in Services Agreement, and an agreement to eliminate tariffs on environmental goods. These initiatives hold tremendous potential to open new markets for U.S. companies, farmers and workers and support growth and jobs. With 95 percent of potential customers outside the United States and more than one in five American jobs supported by trade, we need to seize the opportunities they present.”

Click here to read entire letter.