The Honorable_______________
The United States House of Representatives
Washington D.C. 20515

November 30, 2001

Dear Representative __________________________,

The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. SPI, represents the fourth-largest manufacturing industry in the United States whose members make up the entire plastics industry supply chain including processors, machinery, equipment manufacturers, and raw material suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry in 2000 employed over 1.5 million workers and shipped more than $324 billion in plastics raw materials goods and equipment. This level of economic activity is due in no small measure to international trade, which in 2000 allowed the plastics industry to enjoy a $7.2 billion trade surplus.

SPI strongly supports Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Without TPA the United States cannot enter into negotiations to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers. In order to continue our growth while securing our economic future we must take advantage of quickly expanding market opportunities around the globe. A vote against HR 3005 will mean that the United States will be left sitting on the side-lines as trade agreements are negotiated without our participation.

With the current slowdown of the world economy, international trade is critically important to economic growth in the United States, generally, and the U.S. plastics industry, specifically. A vote for HR 3005 will encourage economic growth by promoting exports and investment, encouraging competition and technological innovation, all key components to the continued health and expansion of the plastics industry. SPI respectfully urges you to vote in favor of HR 3005 on December 6.

Thank you in advance for you support of this legislation.

Sincerely,

Lori Anderson
Senior Director, Economic and International Affairs

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