Contact: Paula Weis
(202) 974-5282

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPI SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF CONGRESSMAN ROB PORTMAN AS U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

WASHINGTON (March 28, 2005) - The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) today vowed to support the Senate confirmation of U.S. Rep. Rob Portman (R-OH), President Bush's nominee to be the next United States Trade Representative (USTR).

"SPI fully supports Congressman Portman's nomination and hopes the Senate promptly confirms him for the post," said SPI President William R. Carteaux. "Portman's home state of Ohio is one of the largest plastics manufacturing regions in the country. With his background in international trade, he is well-suited to lead the development and enforcement of U.S. trade policies that make sense for the nation's manufacturers."

Portman's nomination comes at a critical time for U.S. plastics, with the industry facing record deficits in plastics product trade, particularly with China.

"Our exports of certain products, machinery and equipment are subject to high tariffs and other restrictions in overseas markets," said Carteaux. "Some in the industry are increasingly concerned about potentially unfair trading practices by U.S. trading partners abroad."

"Given these concerns," said Carteaux, "It's clear that SPI must work with USTR to proactively address the high tariffs and other impediments to plastics exports overseas."

"We must also work to ensure that our trading partners, such as China, live up to their WTO commitments by vigorously enforcing U.S. trading rights," said Carteaux. "I look forward to working with Congressman Portman to advance the interests of the U.S. plastics industry in the global arena."

Portman, who has served for twelve years in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a well-respected member of the Ways and Means Committee and its subcommittee on Trade. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee and the Chairman of the House Republican Leadership.

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.

Back to Top

More About SPI:   Vision and Mission . Membership . Business Units . Regional Offices . News and Publications . Calendar of Events . Terms and Conditions of Use