FTAs Passed

The Chamber joins many other proponents of the Korea, Panama and Colombia FTAs in celebrating their passage by both the House and Senate yesterday.

Congressman Adam Smith

“Congress has helped move a balanced trade agenda forward, one that includes Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the three pending trade agreements.  This builds on the Administration’s continued aggressive enforcement when our trading partners don’t meet their obligations under existing treaties.”

Korean Ambassador Han Duk-soo

“With an overwhelming 278 votes in the House and 83 votes in the Senate, the U.S. Congress passed the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement! This is a true victory for the enduring relationship between the United States and South Korea.”

Eric Schinfield, Pres., Washington Council on International Trade

“As Washingtonians, we should be proud of the almost unanimous support by our state’s Congressional delegation for these FTAs.”

Ted Austell, Co-Chair of the U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition

"This ground-breaking agreement is a surefire way of stimulating the U.S. economy by boosting exports and creating high-quality jobs, while facilitating Korean investment in the United States."

William Rhodes, chairman of the U.S.-Korea Business Council and senior advisor to Citi

"Today's action by Congress marks a historical moment in U.S.-Korea relations that will strengthen the bilateral relationship and boost U.S. exports to one of the most dynamic markets in Asia."

Bill Lane, Washington Director for Government Affairs with Caterpillar and co-chair for the Latin America Trade Coalition

“(LATC) applaud(s) today's passage of the U.S.-Colombia and U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreements (TPAs) and praised lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for voting in the interests of jobs and growth at home and stronger alliances in Latin America.


Port of Tacoma E-Port Business Report
"(P)assage of the free trade agreement with Korea is expected to help boost Washington state's economy and create new jobs by immediately opening new access for Washington goods and services in Korea's $1 trillion economy.  South Korea already represents the Port of Tacoma's third-largest international trading partner, accounting for $2.74 billion in annual trade. Exports to South Korea from Washington state grew by 42 percent between 2005 and 2008."