The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today urged Congress to reauthorize an agreement allowing Mexican long-haul trucks to enter the United States for purposes of international trade. A year ago today, Congress voted to cancel funding for the NAFTA cross-border trucking program set up under the Bush administration despite its measurable success. As a result of Congress terminating the trade program, the Mexican government has imposed tariffs on U.S.-produced goods totaling $2.4 billion.
"We implore U.S. lawmakers to end the dispute with Mexico that is placing a $2.4 billion economic burden on American businesses – particularly smaller and medium-sized firms that cannot afford to pay the high tariffs imposed by Mexico," said CEA President and CEO, Gary Shapiro. "This cycle of protectionism and retaliation, which includes failure to pass pending free trade agreements, hurts the U.S. economy at a time when Congress and the White House should be opening new markets for U.S. exports, not shutting them down."
U.S. industries hurt by the tariff dispute range from manufacturers and agricultural producers to cosmetic and consumer electronics companies. Trade between the United States and Mexico in 2008, before the trucking program ban went into place, totaled $368 billion.
Shapiro added: "In the middle of the worst economy in decades, American workers are unable to sell products in Mexico due to retaliatory sanctions. Congress needs to re-open our borders for business."
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $165 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- EHX Spring 2010
March 24-27, 2010, Orlando, FL
- CES on the Hill
April 20-21, 2010, Washington, DC - Digital Patriots Dinner
April 21, 2010, Washington, DC - LA Games Conference
April 29, 2010, Los Angeles, CA - CEA Line Shows
June 22-23, 2010, New York, NY - 2010 SINOCES
July 8-11, 2010, Qingdao, China - 2010 CEA Industry Forum
October 17-20, 2010, San Francisco, CA - i-stage
October 18, 2010, San Francisco, CA
- Digital Hollywood Fall
October 18-21, 2010, Santa Monica, CA
- CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled @ NY
November 9, 2010, New York, NY
- Future of Television East
November 19, 2010, New York, NY
- 2011 International CES
January 6-9, 2011, Las Vegas, NV
Contacts:
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Meghan Henning,
703-907-7654
mhenning@CE.org
www.CE.org
or
Colleen
Lerro, 703-907-7080
clerro@CE.org
