Arlington, Va-- Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) Chairman of the Board Bob Borchardt, today called for quick passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and emphasized that tariff and non-tariff barrier impede his ability as a global manufacturer to compete in the worldwide marketplace.

Borchardt, CEO and President of Recoton Corporation, today participated in a press conference with Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill and members of the Senate High

Tech Task Force, chaired by Senator George Allen (R-VA) on the benefits of TPA to U.S. companies.

Recoton, founded in 1936, is a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of branded consumer electronic accessory products for virtually every product that may be in your home, office automobile, or personal portable use. The company’s diverse product line includes accessories for audio, video, car audio, camcorders, computers, home office, cellular, and standard telephone, music, 900MHz wireless technology speakers and headphones and all video gaming platforms. For more information on Recoton please visit their website at www.recoton.com .

Brocahrdt said: “My company, Recoton Corporation, is a global leader in the manufacturing and marketing of consumer electronic accessories. Our products are exported all over the world, but we are not on a level playing field. Tariff and non-tariff barriers impede our ability to compete in a global market. Our goods become overpriced.

“Recoton employs over 4,000 people worldwide and 1,200 in the United States. To us, TPA is a no-brainer. It means additional jobs for U.S. citizens and allows us to compete successfully in the global economy. I urge the Senate to pass TPA as soon as possible.”

The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is a national trade organization that includes the full spectrum of U.S. manufacturers, representing more than 80% of the $550 billion electronics industry. The Alliance is a partnership of electronic and high tech associations and companies whose mission is promoting the market development and competitiveness of the U.S. high tech industry through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA, headquartered in Arlington, Va., is comprised of more than 2,300 member companies whose products and services range from the smallest electronic components to the most complex systems used by defense, space and industry, including the full range of consumer electronic products. The industry provides more than 2 million jobs for American workers.