(Washington, D.C., April 16, 2014) On behalf of the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (“SSINA”), counsel David A. Hartquist submitted a letter to the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”), Michael B. Froman, urging USTR to swiftly conclude negotiations to establish the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement (“TPP”) without further participation by Japan.
“This agreement, which will expand access for U.S. businesses to export their goods and services to many dynamic markets in the Asia-Pacific region, has the prospect to generate significant benefits for SSINA’s members.” said SSINA counsel David Hartquist. “We are very concerned, however, by reports that continued intransigence by the Government of Japan on a variety of market access-related issues is preventing the TPP negotiations from proceeding.” said Hartquist. “Accordingly, absent immediate offers by the Japanese government to provide meaningful new market access, we urge you to proceed and conclude the TPP negotiations without further participation by Japan.” Mr. Hartquist’s full letter is attached.
About Specialty Steel Industry of North America
Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers, which include high technology, high value stainless and other specialty alloy products.
SSINA member companies include: ATI Allegheny Ludlum, Pittsburgh, PA and ATI Allvac, Monroe, NC (both Allegheny Technologies companies); Carpenter Technology Corporation, Reading, PA; Crucible Industries, Solvay, NY; Electralloy, Oil City, PA; North American Stainless, Ghent, KY; Outokumpu Stainless, Inc., Schaumburg, IL; Latrobe Specialty Steel Company, Latrobe, PA; Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, Bridgeville, PA; and Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, IN.