CEA Regrets Failure of Conclusion on ITA
The following statement is attributed to Sage Chandler, vice president of international trade, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, regarding the announcement at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Information Technology Agreement (ITA) negotiations. Chandler was in Geneva, Switzerland for the entirety of the talks:
“Despite steady progress throughout the week on several outstanding issues, conclusion of the ITA negotiations was ceded due to a failure to reach consensus on product coverage. The WTO’s self-imposed Friday evening deadline will result in government negotiators and industry returning to their capitals Saturday without a deal locked in.
“To be sure, this news is a disappointment. The U.S. Trade Representative has worked tirelessly for our industry and, despite the broader setback, deserves praise. Likewise, so many of our negotiating partners have made difficult concessions, and we thank them for those tough choices that ultimately helped advance the negotiation.
“The ITA hasn’t been updated since it was created 17 years ago. By expanding the ITA, we could remove tariffs on an estimated additional $800 billion in information and communication technology trade globally. Including modern technology products in an updated ITA is critical to making sure the agreement’s many benefits will extend to consumers around the world.
“A negotiation is just that – all sides must show flexibility in order for the greater good to occur. Upon return to capitals, we hope that our negotiating partners will take stock of what they stand to gain from a successful ITA negotiation. If small movements of flexibility are required to get there, we hope governments will tighten their belts so a conclusion may still be close at hand."
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $211 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at CE.org,DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: 
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January 4, 2015, Las Vegas, NV
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February 18, 2015, Tokyo, Japan
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March 5-8, 2015, Snowmass Village, CO
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May 25-27, 2015, Shanghai, China
