| Contacts: | Jason Oxman tel: 703-907-7664 e-mail: joxman@CE.org |
Meghan Henning tel: 703-907-7654 e-mail: mhenning@CE.org |
CEA TESTIFIES ON U.S. TRADE POLICY AND ITS EFFECTS ON SMALL BUSINESS
| Arlington, Virginia | 6/13/2007 |
The U.S. House Committee on Small Business held a hearing today entitled, “U.S. Trade Policy and Small Business.” The Consumer Electronics Association’s (CEA)® Senior Director for International Trade, Sage Chandler, testified about the importance of small business access to foreign markets. CEA urged Congress to promote trade opportunities for small businesses by passage of free trade agreements, easing delay times on the U. S. southern border and promoting an expeditious visa program.
During the testimony Chandler stated:
“Our industry is highly competitive and globally integrated. Two-thirds of CEA members conduct some sort of
international business primarily in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. And the industry is growing. In a recent industry
survey, preliminary results show that almost half of CEA members said they plan to, or would like to, export to a new
market within the next 12 months. However, large investments are needed to manufacture consumer electronics products, and
even then many of these goods often have narrow profit margins.
Our trade negotiators and lawmakers must make every attempt to reduce foreign trade barriers and promote an aggressive
trade policy agenda. Because of market opportunities created by free and open trade, our small business members will be
able to continue to create high-paying U.S. jobs and positively contribute to the U.S. economy.”
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer
technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic
relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing,
distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information
technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer
channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $140 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online
at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer
electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from
CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering
standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
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CEA TO TESTIFY ON U.S. TRADE POLICY