WASHINGTON – National Association of Manufacturers president John Engler today called on Congress to consider the US–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. In a statement, Engler said, "We dare not let election-year political posturing to compromise our commitment to free trade. The US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will expand US manufacturing exports, create good jobs and keep our economy growing.

"US manufacturers are the most competitive in the world when allowed to compete on a level playing field. Free trade agreements are not the problem; they’re the solution."

According to Engler, "virtually all" Colombia exports to the US enter tariff-free, while US exports are taxed 14%, on average.

The FTA would increase US exports to Colombia by more than $1 billion annually when fully implemented, he claimed.