WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, supports the bipartisan effort to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) for new trade agreements in foreign markets. The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, introduced by Senators Hatch (R-UT) and Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate and Rep. Ryan (R-WI) in the House will help open new markets and expand existing markets for American wine and for other agricultural commodities across the country.

U.S. agriculture exports have continued to grow exponentially over the last decade. In 2014 American producers exported $152 billion in agriculture commodities. U.S. Wine exports accounted for $1.5 billion in 2014.

“Asia is an emerging and very important market for American wine,” said Caroline Shaw, Executive Vice President of Jackson Family Wines and current WIneAmerica Board Chair. “New free trade agreements, such as the Trans Pacific Partnership, could allow American wines to compete and excel in an increasingly competitive international market”

Trade Promotion Authority will allow the President to pursue objectives specified by Congress and meet consultation guidelines specified by Congress as it negotiates future trade agreements. In return for this, Congress agrees to allow for expedited consideration of trade agreements without amendments.

TPA will allow the President to negotiate trade agreements that meet the needs of the American wine industry and continue to help it expand to new and emerging markets. WineAmerica applauds the Senate for passing this important piece of legislation that will allow U.S. wineries easier access to the international market. We are confident the House of Representatives will follow suit.

Questions? Contact Michael Kaiser at mkaiser@wineamerica.org