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| Wilson Supports Free Trade to Open Markets to U.S. Products |
July 28, 2005 |
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| Congresswoman: Agreement Is Good for Jobs
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson supported the Dominican Republic/Central America Free Trade Agreement passed late Wednesday by the U.S. House of Representatives 217-215.
"Today, most goods imported to the United States from Central America don`t pay any duties or fees, while most American companies selling products in Central America pay tariffs," Wilson said. "This agreement will level the playing field so that American companies can compete. That`s good for jobs here at home."
The agreement makes more than 80 percent of U.S. goods duty-free in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Remaining tariffs will be phased out over ten years.
Exports from New Mexico to the CAFTA/DR region were 11.4 percent of our state’s total worldwide exports – the largest share among all 50 states, and significantly higher than the U.S. average of 1.9 percent.
New Mexico relies on export markets for 11 percent of our agricultural products, an estimated $225 million, according to the U.S. Trade Representative. In particular, products that face high tariffs include dairy, beef, pecans and wheat – tariffs in these countries will be reduced on each of these products.
This agreement is good for the small businesses that create the majority of new jobs in America. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 96 percent of U.S. businesses that engage in trade have fewer than 500 employees. Newly created trade-related jobs pay 13-17 percent more than non-trade related jobs, according to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, H.R. 3045:
Establishes and expands markets for U.S. producers.
Improves balance between trading partners by reducing and eventually eliminating duties on U.S. agricultural and industrial products.
Encourages democratic reforms among growing nations throughout the region.
Generates demand for U.S. products as costs are reduced because of lower tariffs.
Boosts agricultural exports by up to $1.5 billion a year, according to the American Farm Bureau.
Improves competition with Asian importers.
Improves labor protections.
Receives bipartisan support from textile, agricultural and business groups, as well as former President Jimmy Carter and former Clinton administration officials.
Agricultural groups support the agreement, including the National Milk Producers Federation, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the Grocery Manufacturers of America, the National Food Processors Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Grain and Feed Association, the National Grain Trade Council, the North American Export Grain Association, the U.S. Grains Council, the U.S. Wheat Associates, the Wheat Export Trade Education Committee, the North American Millers Association, and the National Barley Growers Association.
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