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AeA Supports USTR Request for Dispute Consultation with EU on Information Technology Agreement | ||
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Washington, DC (May 28, 2008) – AeA strongly
supports the decision announced today by Sue Schwab, US Trade Representative, to
initiate a request for dispute consultation in the World Trade Organization with
the European Union over duties being imposed on certain products covered by the
Information Technology Agreement (ITA). Under the ITA, which the US and EU
signed in1996, participants agreed to eliminate tariffs on a range of
information technology products, but the EU has in recent years imposed duties
on products such as multifunction printers, set-top boxes and LCD monitors which
it has unilaterally decided are no longer covered due to improvements to the
products. “Despite sustained efforts by AeA and the rest of the US high-tech sector, the EU has been unwilling to alter its approach to the ITA which we feel is contrary to the letter and spirit of the agreement,” said Rob Mulligan, Senior Vice President International, AeA. “The ITA includes language that ‘Each party’s trade regime should evolve in a manner that enhances market access opportunities for information technology products’, but the EU approach seeks to reduce the scope of products covered by the ITA.” While the ITA started out with just 29 countries signed on, that number has grown to 70 as countries recognize that information technology increases the productivity of a wide range of industries. It allows companies to improve efficiencies and lower the cost of doing business, which in turn frees up capital for other investments and lowers prices for consumer goods. Information technology also improves the lives of every citizen who can access it by facilitating communication and commerce. “Given the potential negative impact the EU approach could have on the ITA and the impact their duties are already having on our members exporting products to Europe, the decision by USTR was necessary,” concluded Mulligan. - # # # -
About AeA This page was last updated on
05/28/08.
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