Arlington, Va. – Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) President Dave McCurdy today said EIA member companies are elated that TPA will be restored to the President and thanked members of the U.S. Senate for their definitive passage of the TPA conference report.

“It took some time, but we’re thrilled to see that Trade Promotion Authority will soon be back in the President’s arsenal,” McCurdy said. “The passage of TPA will allow the U.S. to quickly wrap up free-trade negotiations with Chile and Singapore and move ahead on Free Trade Area of the Americas and World Trade Organization talks. The President’s authority to efficiently settle trade agreements will drive opportunities around the world for high-tech manufacturers, whose markets are increasingly global. The current WTO talks include an Information Technology Agreement, which would greatly benefit our sector by tearing down tariff barriers.”

“Passing TPA is a huge victory for those who believe free trade is a vital component of economic growth.” McCurdy continued. “However, there remains a lot of work to do going forward in educating members who fail to fully understand the overwhelming benefits of free trade in creating new opportunities for U.S. industry and U.S. workers.”

“Trade Promotion Authority has the potential to put the high-tech sector’s fortunes on an improved path by enhancing U.S. competitiveness worldwide,” said Bob Borchardt, chairman of the EIA Board and CEO of Recoton Corp. “Electronics companies depend heavily on export markets, which accounted for more than one-third our industry’s business last year.”

“The electronics industry provides more than 2 million jobs in the U.S., and improved conditions fostered by TPA will drive economic growth, job creation and a higher standard of living,” Borchardt added. “Final passage of TPA is clearly an outstanding victory for our industry and our workers. With TPA, we can get the ball rolling again.”