“We commend Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) for introducing this legislation and urge Congress to pass the bill without delay. Trade Promotion Authority is essential to allow U.S. industry to capitalize on the market-opening trade agreements being negotiated with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and with the European Union.
 
“Exports account for about 15 percent of U.S. forest products shipments, making the reduction or elimination of foreign tariffs and non-tariff barriers to export markets of obvious importance to the industry. Perhaps less obvious but equally important is the indirect benefit  of other industries’ successes, as paper and wood-based materials are used to package and ship many of the goods people around the world rely on each day. Our industry is avital part of the broad export supply chain that will benefit by opening new international markets and breaking down foreign trade barriers.”