Trade Promotion Authority

IMPORTANCE

Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), also known as fast track, allows the President to negotiate trade agreements

with other countries. It simplifies the process of congressional consideration of such agreements by requiring a

straight yes or no vote with no amendments permitted. New and expanded market access through trade

agreements has been the most important catalyst for increased U.S. pork exports. Since the implementation of

the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 and the Uruguay Round Agreement in 1995, U.S.

exports of pork and pork products have increased by more than 389 percent in volume terms and more than

361 percent in value terms.

BACKGROUND

Since 1974, Congress has granted every U.S. president the authority to negotiate free trade agreements (FTAs)

for congressional approval on an up-or-down basis within a specified time frame. The President’s trade promotion

authority (TPA) lapsed after the 1994 passage of the Uruguay Round legislation that established the World Trade

Organization (WTO). President Bush signed the Trade Act of 2002 into law on August 6, 2002, which renewed TPA.

Since TPA was renewed, Congress has passed FTAs with Australia, Singapore, Morocco, Chile and the six

DR-CAFTA countries. TPA expires June 30, 2007.

NPPC POSITION

NPPC will support an extension of TPA if progress is made in the WTO Doha negotiations which will significantly

increase U.S. pork exports if finalized and implemented under TPA.

NPPC CONTACT

Nicholas Giordano, International Trade Counsel, (202)347-3600, giordann@nppc.org.

Last Updated: February 1, 2007