AeA Continues to Support USTR in WTO Dispute Process
on EU High-tech Tariffs

Washington, DC (August 18, 2008) – When U.S. Trade Representative Sue Schwab announced in May that a request for dispute consultation in the World Trade Organization with the European Union (EU) over duties being imposed on certain products covered by the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) was to be initiated, AeA strongly supported the decision. After unsuccessful consultation efforts, it was announced today that the USTR, along with Japan and Chinese Taipei, has requested the establishment of a dispute settlement panel to review whether the EU is complying with its ITA commitments. AeA continues to strongly support this decision.

According to Rob Mulligan, Senior Vice President, International, “Since the consultations did not resolve these issues, AeA continues to support the decision by USTR to press forward with this panel request under the WTO dispute resolution process.

“AeA believes that the EU approach to the ITA and these products would undermine the benefits of the ITA and stifle innovation.

“The ITA was intended to encourage technological development and the action by the United States, Japan, and Chinese Taipei will reinforce the agreement by challenging the EU approach.”

Under the ITA, which the United States and European Union signed in 1996, participants agreed to eliminate tariffs on a range of information technology products. But in recent years, the EU has 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 the inclusion of certain features or technologies.



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About AeA
AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit www.aeanet.org.

This page was last updated on 08/18/08.