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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTMAN URGES PLASTICS INDUSTRY TO ADVOCATE FREE TRADE

WASHINGTON (September 15, 2005) - The plastics industry should take an active role in explaining to the American public why reducing trade barriers is critical to U.S. manufacturing, United States Trade Representative Rob Portman said today in a speech to the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI), which this week holds its Fall National Board Meeting in Washington.

Portman recognized the plastics industry for its leadership in supporting the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which passed Congress by a narrow margin in July.

"CAFTA is a win-win agreement," Portman said, noting its critical role in dismantling trade barriers. "American workers and American businesses can compete with anyone, anywhere - as long as there is a level playing field."

Portman noted that high tariffs still exist in other parts of the world - particularly in countries such as India and Egypt - but said a "significant opportunity" exists to lower these trade barriers.

He also noted that the importance of manufacturing to the U.S economy is among the issues being examined by the USTR during the current round of World Trade Organization negotiations.

"The plastics industry salutes Ambassador Portman for his efforts on behalf of American manufacturing," said SPI President Bill Carteaux. "And we urge our members to continue to support free trade agreements to give Mr. Portman the leverage he needs to successfully negotiate the U.S. position at the WTO."

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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