Dear Eldon: Thank you for contacting me about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement. I appreciate hearing from you. As you may know, the TPP is a trade agreement currently being negotiated between Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Negotiations between these countries are ongoing. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, in 2010, South Dakota exported $980 million in goods to Asia-Pacific countries. This amount accounted for 75 percent of South Dakota’s total exports. The 18th round of TPP negotiations was held in Malaysia from July 15-24, 2013. I believe it is the responsibility of Congress to support trade policies that create greater market access for the high-quality goods and services produced by American workers. American farmers, manufacturers, and service providers deserve to compete on a level playing field. Trade agreements with foreign nations, as well as our domestic policies, must be fair and effective in order to promote American products abroad and create jobs at home. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I will be sure to keep your concerns in mind. If you would like additional information on my activities in the Senate, please feel free to visit my website, thune.senate.gov. Thanks again for contacting me. Please keep in touch. Kindest regards,
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 20:17:19 +0000