CEA Testifies On U.S. Trade Policy And Its Effects On Small Business

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.”