Arlington, Va.– The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) today urged the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to successfully complete negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement with Australia.  In opening a new door for U.S. exports, the agreement would substantially increase trade between the two countries and provide a needed boost to the high-tech manufacturing sector.

“Given the progress that negotiators have made and the hard work exhibited by both countries, we sincerely hope that a comprehensive agreement can be finalized this week,” can cross the finish line and complete a race for free trade that will be mutually beneficial for companies, consumers and workers,” Dave McCurdy said.  “We’ve come too far to let this opportunity fall by the wayside.  Reaching final agreement on a pact that would eliminate nearly all industrial tariffs would be a banner achievement for free and fair trade.”

EIA has long supported global tariff elimination across the electronics sector and with this FTA, another set of borders will be opened  for the free and fair trade of high-tech and telecommunications products in the U.S. and Australia.

About EIA
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 $430 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., comprises 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 1.8 million jobs for American workers.