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AF&PA Congratulates U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer

Reaffirms importance of regulatory negotiations with the EU Commission

WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement on Jamieson Greer’s confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative.

“We congratulate Mr. Greer on his confirmation to serve as U.S. Trade Representative. AF&PA members make about 87% of the pulp, paper, paper-based packaging and tissue products made in the U.S., supporting over 900,000 American manufacturing jobs in mostly rural communities across the country.

“We encourage Mr. Greer to swiftly engage with the European Commission to address concerns about the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR). Europe is an important market for American-made essential paper products, and this one-size-fits-all regulatory approach ignores the U.S. as among the most responsible suppliers of forest fiber in the world.

“We look forward to working with Mr. Greer to have the U.S. recognized as not contributing to global deforestation. The burden EUDR places on U.S. pulp, paper and packaging manufacturers will not achieve the EU’s stated policy goal.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper