Food, beverage manufacturers push for completion of trade deals

The letter also urges Congress to approve long-term extensions of the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). 

“These trade preference agreements enable U.S. businesses to globally source inputs and products, not readily available in the U.S., helping to reduce costs for businesses and consumers,” the letter said.

The sector represents 1.7 million manufacturing jobs, 14 percent of total U.S. manufacturing jobs. The industry produces 300,000 products and annually exports more than $50 billion worth of goods to more than 200 countries, the letter said.

In 2010, packaged food and beverage exports of more than $50 billion exceeded food imports by more than $10 billion, according to the trade groups. 

“Very simply, our industry is one of our nation’s few net exporters,” the said. 

This week, the White House cleared the way for technical discussions to begin with Congress. House and Senate Republicans, along with some Democrats, are pressing for a timetable that would bring each trade pact up to Capitol Hill in quick succession. 

House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) has said he wants the trade deals completed by July 1, while Boehner has suggested they be finished before the August recess. The White House has made similar suggestions, although the Colombian deal could take longer because the nation’s government is being required to complete a long check-list of items that could carry into next year. 

“However, the longer it takes to implement these agreements, the more we risk losing not only future opportunities to create jobs and increase exports, but also the market share and access we currently enjoy,” the letter said. 

The letter also was sent to the Senate Finance, House Ways and Means and House Agriculture committees.

“Our organizations believe we must embrace these opportunities now in order to provide America with a much needed economic boost,” they wrote.

The organizations signing the letter include the American Bakers Association; American Beverage Association; American Frozen Food Institute; American Meat Institute; Distilled Spirits Council of the United States; Grocery Manufacturers Association; International Dairy Foods Association; National Chicken Council; National Confectioners Association; National Fisheries Institute; National Frozen Pizza Institute; National Turkey Federation; Pet Food Institute; Snack Food Association and the Sweetener Users Association.