Press Release TPA Passage

June 24, 2015

Airforwarders Association Cheers Passage of Critical Trade Bill

(WASHINGTON) - The Airforwarders Association, representing 360 companies and more than 300,000 employees who move air cargo through the supply chain, today commended the U.S. Senate for passing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).

The legislation, which now goes to President Obama for his signature, will give him "fast track" authority to get Congressional approval on the impending Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other agreements now in negotiation such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA).
 
"As freight forwarders, we know precisely what it means for the United States to be the world's largest importer of goods and services, and how critical that is not only to our own industry, but to maintaining and enhancing America's standard of living, economic growth, job creation and global leadership," said Brandon Fried, the AfA's Executive Director.

"The President and his congressional allies on this issue had a tough task to get TPA passed, but this legislation was essential to expanding U.S. trade and we are relieved and satisfied that they got it done," he added.

Fried noted that more than one in five U.S. jobs depends on exports and imports, and that trade-dependent jobs have more than tripled over the past two decades as a series of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements have been implemented.  He also said TPA will clear the way for the streamlining of border clearance operations for U.S. exports as they enter other countries, thereby reducing non-tariff barriers for U.S. products.
 
The AfA is a member of the Trade Benefits America Coalition, which includes a wide range of associations and companies that are dedicated to the pursuit of U.S. international trade agreements that benefit American businesses, farmers, workers and consumers.

About the Airforwarders Association

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) represents more than 360 member companies dedicated to moving cargo throughout the supply chain. The association's members range from small businesses with fewer than 20 employees to large companies employing more than 1,000 people and business models varying from domestic to worldwide freight forwarding operations. In short, they are the travel agents for freight shipments, moving cargo in the timeliest and most cost efficient manner whether it is carried on aircraft, truck, rail or ship. For more information, visit the association's website at www.airforwarders.org.