Kimberly Clewis: TPA helps N.C. companies

International Paper employees at our Riegelwood paper mill would like thank Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis and Rep. David Rouzer for supporting Trade Promotion Authority.

TPA is an important process that will allow the administration to craft strong trade agreements, putting the interests of American manufacturing front and center by leveling the playing field and opening new markets for American-made products.

Having access to foreign markets is vital for companies like International Paper. Because the Riegelwood mill exports 57 percent of our production to foreign markets, global trade is important to us, our families and our community.

Since 95 percent of the world’s population lives outside of the United States, exports are important for the U.S. forest products industry. In 2014, the industry’s global exports totaled an estimated $32.2 billion, of which $22.3 billion were pulp and paper.

Global trade is important not only to our employees, but to the 710 small- and medium-sized companies that our North Carolina-based facilities purchase goods and services from throughout the state.

In voting for this critical piece of legislation, our elected representatives demonstrated leadership and voted to stand up for their constituents and for those who work in manufacturing.

This story was originally published July 8, 2015 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Kimberly Clewis: TPA helps N.C. companies."