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Oral Testimony for USITC Public Hearing on “Economic Impact of Trade Agreements Implemented Under Trade Authorities Procedures, 2021 Update” 

Tariff elimination and regulatory alignment with key trading partners are essential to the global competitiveness of U.S. chemical manufacturers. U.S. free trade agreements, in particular the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), are the foundation of the multilateral trading system as embodied by the World Trade Organization (WTO). U.S.-written rules, and the U.S. strategy of competitive liberalization, compel trading partners to include higher standards in their own trade agreements. As a result, they become better partners and advocates at the WTO.

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About the Author

Ed Brzytwa is the American Chemistry Council’s Director for International Trade. He leads ACC’s trade policy and advocacy work, with a strong focus on influencing U.S. trade negotiation and policy initiatives to strengthen the business of chemistry. Prior to ACC, Ed was a trade policy advocate in the technology sector and a trade negotiator in Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Commerce. Ed obtained two Master’s degrees from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna in Austria, where he was a Fulbright fellow, and from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and has a Bachelor’s degree in The Classics from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.