Port Commission Supports Trade Relations with China

The Port of Seattle Commission today adopted a resolution supporting granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China and urging the United States Congress to act favorably as soon as possible.

"Granting this status to China makes good business sense here in Washington state," said Jack Block, Port Commission President. "China is the Port's second-largest trading partner, with more than $8 billion in two-way trade last year, and Washington state is the nation's leading exporter of goods and services to China and Hong Kong. Granting PNTR to China would ensure continued economic opportunities for workers and businesses here."

A bilateral trade accord signed last year by the United States and China holds the potential for new benefits for Washington workers in all economic sectors. Under that agreement, China pledged to cut tariffs and subsidies on wheat, apples, beef and other foods.

China also said it would adhere to international intellectual property rights agreements, eliminate market access barriers, and permit foreign investment in its telecommunications, financial services and insurance industries.

Granting PNTR to China will foster continued improvement in human rights by further integrating China into the world community, and moving the nation toward a fair market economy, Block said. This would spur economic reforms and expose China's 1.3 billion citizens to new information and ideas.

Congress is expected to vote on PNTR with China in May.