ITI CALLS HOUSE PASSAGE OF PERMANENT NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS A
SOLID WIN FOR AMERICA'S TECHNOLOGICAL LEADERSHIP
May 24, 2000 Washington DC - The Information Technology Industry
Council (ITI) today called House passage of permanent normal trade relations
(PNTR) with China "a solid win for continuing America's technological leadership
and a step toward reform in China." The group praised the strong bi-partisan
support for the 237 to 197 victory.
"The real winners of today's vote are American workers and consumers," said
Rhett Dawson, president of ITI. "By granting PNTR with China, the House of
Representatives sent a strong message that opening new markets is a key
component of America's economic future and that free trade is perhaps the best
way to bring about democratic reforms within China."
ITI is the association of leading IT companies. It made passage of PNTR with
China one of its top legislative priorities this year. In addition, the group
notified Congress that it will give extra weight to the PNTR vote in the annual
ITI High-Tech Vote Guide.
"This is one case where victory really does have many fathers," continued
Dawson. "This is a perfect example of policy makers putting America's interest
ahead of politics. Congressmen David Dreier (R-CA) and Bob Matsui (D-CA) deserve
much credit for their leadership and perseverance on this key issue. The
Administration worked round the clock to secure passage. And, a diverse group of
industries - from agriculture to PCs - worked together in an effort to open new
markets and help grow America's economy."
ITI member companies export over 55% of their total output, making the IT
industry the United States' largest exporter. In addition, China is one of the
fastest growing markets for information technology. China will soon be the
world's second largest market for cell phones; China is already the world's
fastest growing market for personal computers; and the number of Chinese
Internet users (8.9 million) is expected to double to about 20 million by the
end of the year.
"One of the final hurdles to opening the Chinese market - about to be the
third biggest market in the world -- and admitting China in to the World Trade
Organization has been removed. This paves the way for the IT industry to
continue to grow its exports and maintain America's technological leadership,"
concluded Dawson.
ITI member companies include: 3COM; Agilent; AOL; Apple; Cisco; Compaq;
Corning; Dell; Eastman Kodak; EMC, Gateway; Hewlett-Packard; IBM; Intel;
Lexmark; Microsoft; Motorola; NCR; Nortel Networks, Panasonic; Pitney Bowes;
SGI; Sony; StorageTek; Symbol Technologies; Tektronix; Tyco; and Unisys.
BENEFITS TO THE U.S. HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY OF PNTR WITH CHINA
China is a huge, critical and fast-growing market for high-tech products and
services. PNTR for China will yield a positive effect on every sector of the
high-tech industry.
Telecommunications
- China's market for cellular telecommunications is growing exponentially;
By the end of 1999, China counted more than 40 million cellular subscribers,
coming close to its target of becoming the world's second largest cellular
market.
- Telephone use in China is expected to grow from 12 percent of households
currently to 22 percent by 2003.
- The November 15, 1999 bilateral deal between the U.S. and China offers
U.S. telecommunications manufacturers expanded opportunities in China's
exploding market.
Software
- The American software industry is a trade success story, generating a $20
billion surplus each year, and 60 percent of U.S. software company revenues
come from overseas sales.
- Industry experts estimate that 95 percent of the business applications
software used in China was pirated in 1998, depriving the software industry of
nearly US$1.2 billion in licensing revenue.
- By joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), China will become subject
to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) the
best vehicle to combat software piracy.
Internet Development
- The number of Chinese Internet users has grown dramatically from 1.1
million in May 1998 to nearly 9 million at the end of 1999. By the end of
2000, the number of Internet users in China is expected to reach 20 million.
- China's accession to the WTO will give the U.S. an opportunity to
participate in the development of the Internet and e-commerce in China. Vital
social services, such as education, communications and telemedicine, can be
delivered over the Internet, laying the groundwork for e-commerce and the
economic growth, productivity, and jobs it will generate.
- China will lower tariffs on a wide range of information technology
products that will facilitate the adoption of Internet architecture and
increase the purchase of computers. These tariffs, which currently average
13.3 percent, will be reduced to zero by 2005.
Computers
- Exports to China of U.S. computer and office equipment increased well over
500 percent between 1990-1998. China's personal computer market is growing
twice as fast as the world average and is expected to be the world's second
largest by the end of this year.
- The American computer sector is poised to expand its exports to this
rapidly growing market, increase high-wage American jobs, and continue our
technological leadership and competitiveness.
- China has agreed to adopt the Information Technology Agreement which
eliminates China's customs duties on computers and peripherals-which currently
average 10-15 percent-by 2003.
Semiconductors
- The current semiconductor market in China is up to $8 billion per year.
Some analysts expect it to become the third largest semiconductor market by
2001 and the second largest by 2010.
- The semiconductor equipment and materials market in China is estimated to
be over $1 billion per year and is projected to reach almost $4 million in
2003.
©2000 Information Technology Industry
Council