| Contacts: | Colleen Lerro tel: 703-907-7080 e-mail: clerro@CE.org |
Meghan Henning tel: 703-907-7654 e-mail: mhenning@CE.org |
CEA Applauds Taiwan Joining Multinational Challenge to European Technology Tarrifs
| Arlington, Virginia | 6/11/2008 |
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today commended Taiwan for filing a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over tariffs the European Union (EU) imposes on technology products. Taiwan joins the U.S. and Japan, which filed complaints late last month, alleging the EU’s refusal to remove duties on computer monitors, cable converter boxes and printers violates the Information Technology Agreement (ITA).
“The European Union is harming innovation and stifling decades of progress on trade,” said Michael Petricone, CEA senior vice president of government affairs. “These actions hurt U.S. and Taiwanese companies, European consumers as well as technology firms across the globe.
“We are hopeful that we can resolve these issues with the EU through constructive dialogue led by the WTO, and we applaud Taiwan for seeking consultations to remedy the situation.”
Through the ITA, signed in 1996, 70 WTO member countries have agreed to eliminate customs duties on more than 97 percent of world trade in information technology products, including hardware, software, components, semiconductors and equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.
Follow the 2009 International CES on Twitter at https://twitter.com/2009CES and visit the International CES Page on Facebook.
Related attachments:
CEA Applauds Taiwan