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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPI WELCOMES HOUSE PASSAGE OF DR-CAFTA AND TRADE ENFORCEMENT BILLS

WASHINGTON (August 1, 2005) - The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) today applauded the House of Representatives for passing both the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) and the Trade Rights Enforcement Act (H.R. 3283).

"These trade bills are a great package for the plastics industry," said SPI President Bill Carteaux. "DR-CAFTA will help boost U.S. plastics exports to a region where demand for plastics is growing. H.R. 3283 strengthens U.S. trade laws by ensuring that domestic manufacturers have redress against Chinese imports benefiting from subsidies that are inconsistent with international trade rules. Both bills fall squarely in line with SPI's ongoing efforts to open overseas markets for plastics industry exports, while simultaneously enforcing U.S. trading rights."

"We commend President Bush, Ambassador Portman, Secretary Gutierrez and the House Republican leadership for their hard work in paving the way for a successful vote on DR-CAFTA," continued Carteaux. "Congressman Mark Souder (R-IN-3rd) also stands out for his strong support of the plastics industry. Through his leadership, we can obtain a much quicker reduction or elimination of tariffs on processed plastics products shipped to the DR-CAFTA markets."

"We also welcome H.R. 3283 because it can help to combat the imbalance in U.S.-China trading relations," added Carteaux. "Many SPI members have been increasingly frustrated with the unfair competitive advantages that China has enjoyed due to its failure to comply with its WTO obligations. H.R. 3283 gives a stronger platform on which U.S. companies can seek remedies for subsidies and protection of their intellectual property rights. It's certainly a step in the right direction, and we will continue to support passage of a companion bill in the Senate."

"SPI will now help our members to leverage these legislative victories into economic benefits for their companies," concluded Carteaux. "Lawmakers like Representative Souder have given U.S. manufacturers tools to address the challenges of globalization and we must use those tools to enhance the competitiveness of the plastics industry."

Founded in 1937, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI's members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw materials suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs 1.4 million workers and provides nearly $310 billion in annual shipments. For more information, visit SPI on the Web at www.plasticsindustry.org.

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