Euromap and SPI agree for free trade of machinery

The umbrella associations Euromap (European Plastics and Rubber Machinery) and the American SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) have signed a declaration of intent on free trade within the plastics machinery industry to strengthen their competitive position in the global marketplace thereby helping to safeguard the industry's 65,000 jobs. Today the European and American plastics machinery markets account for 50 percent of the global market with sales totalling 15 billion euro. "The TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) is a milestone in terms of cooperation in our sector, and this should have a very positive impact on our business relationships," said WilliamCarteaux, president and CEO of SPI.
A key feature of free trade is the complete dismantling of tariffs, which will provide an instant boost for export sales of machinery. Tens of thousands of jobs could be created in Europe and the US across the whole machinery-manufacturing sector. "TTIP presents an opportunity not a risk", says Thorsten Kühmann, secretary general of Euromap. Both sides are aiming to harmonise safety standards and have already set up international (ISO) working groups. This will improve operating safety and simplify deliveries of machinery, which, in turn, will save time and effort and boost competitiveness.