[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               USTR ANNOUNCEMENT ON ARGENTINEAN FOOTWEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 1996

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I support the action taken by 
United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky on October 1, 
1996, concerning Argentinean footwear. USTR announced the United States 
has filed a section 301 complaint with the World Trade Organization 
[WTO] against Argentina due to their practices concerning footwear and 
textiles. This action is necessary to curb Argentina's unfair trade 
practices.
  Argentina maintains specific import duties on textiles, apparel, and 
footwear that are above the 35-percent ad valorem tariff rate to which 
Argentina committed under the WTO agreements. USTR has decided to 
invoke WTO dispute settlement procedure. The WTO should take action to 
make Argentina comply with the WTO agreement.
  Argentina has taken action in the past and this action is 
unacceptable. USTR realizes the actions taken by Argentina are 
insufficient and inappropriate. Consultation with the WTO has become 
necessary. I commend Ambassador Barshefsky for taking the appropriate 
action.
  For companies in Massachusetts, this action by Argentina is 
dangerous. The action taken by USTR will help those businesses who have 
been discriminated against because of the unfair trade practices of 
Argentina. In Massachusetts, companies such as Reebok and thousands of 
Massachusetts employees, depend upon fair access to foreign consumer 
markets for their livelihoods.
  Once again, I congratulate Ambassador Barshefsky and offer my 
continuing support for firm steps to enforce our international trade 
treaties to benefit U.S. interests.

                          ____________________