AEM Supports U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement

June 16, 2004 - When the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement goes into effect, the five percent tariff Bahrain currently imposes on imports of U.S.-manufactured equipment will be eliminated. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Bahrain imported approximately $100 million of equipment manufactured in the United States over the last five years. Machinery is Bahrain 's second largest import.

In a statement to the press, the association expressed its support of the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations and encourages the Bush Administration and Congress to move quickly to approve the agreement and speed its implementation.