International Trade

Since its founding three decades ago, support for free and open markets has been a core principle of CCIA. CCIA recognizes that free trade advantages all nations, as they can focus on production of goods and services most suitable to their resources and workforce. Moreover, as the leading export industry of the U.S., the high-tech sector in particular benefits greatly from expanded trade. Since high-tech products and services are high revenue, high wage, produce little waste or pollutants, and drive advanced education and scientific research, a vibrant high-tech sector also benefits our economy generally.

CCIA continues to be engaged in diligently working to promote expanded trade and market access for high-tech exports through the abolition of tariffs and non-tariff barriers. As a long-time proponent of free trade, CCIA supports the bilateral free trade agreements pending before Congress (Panama, Colombia, and South Korea) as well as restoring Trade Promotion Authority. However, we also believe that multilateral negotiations at the WTO are the preferred forum for expanding free trade, and also support continued efforts for a successful Doha Round.

CCIA Letters and Testimony:

• Testimony of Ed Back to Congressional Executive Committee on China hearing "China's Censorship of the Internet and Social Media: The Human Toll and Trade Impact" (November 2011)
• CCIA Comments to ITC on Section 337 Exclusion Orders (November 2010)
• Testimony of Ed Black before the Congressional Executive Committee on China hearing on "Google, the Internet and China: A Nexus Between Human Rights and Trade?" (March 2010)
  
• CCIA Comments Regarding Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of Korea (September 2009)
  
• CCIA letter on the trade advisory committee system (July 2009)
• CCIA letter to Congressional leaders on "Buy American" provisions (February 2009)
  
• U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition letter to all Members of Congress supporting the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (November 2008)
• CCIA's Mercury News Editorial: U.S. political leaders must recognize importance of free trade (April 2008)