WASHINGTON - American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding introduction of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation, the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014. 

"We applaud Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.) for introducing this legislation and urge Congress to pass the bill without delay.

"TPA is essential to allow the U.S. to capitalize on the market-opening trade agreements being negotiated with Asia-Pacific countries and the European Union and will ensure that the U.S. can complete and implement these trade agreements, while following congressional objectives and priorities.  Exports account for about 15 percent of U.S. forest products shipments and opening up export markets by reducing or eliminating foreign tariffs and non-tariff barriers is vital to the economic health of the U.S. forest products industry."