Business View - February 2016 65
ganization as we take a look at the specialty chemical
manufacturing sector.
“Back in 2011, free trade agreements with South Korea,
Colombia and Panama were signed into law,” Sloan said.
“We have found all free trade agreements around the
world benefit the chemical industry, and we are current-
ly advocating for passage of the two latest agreements
pending: the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Transat-
lantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).”
The chemical industry today is global, and many SOCMA
members are purchasing raw materials from overseas
when there is not a U.S. supplier. The Miscellaneous Tar-
iff Bill (MTB) is an important advocacy point in this re-
gard. “The MTB allows us to help our members reduce or
eliminate tariffs on purchases that don’t have a domestic
supplier. Congress let the MTB expire at the end of 2012
– a big concern for SOCMA members who are collectively
spending billions of dollars per year on tariffs that would
be mitigated under the MTB.”
SOCMA has three main strategic directives:
• Enhancing networking opportunities to facilitate devel-
opment and growth of member businesses
• Increasing public confidence in the chemical industry
• Positively influencing the passage of rational laws and
regulations
Membership includes small and mid-sized companies
AT A GLANCE
WHO:
Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affili-
ates
WHAT:
The recognized voice, and the only U.S.-
based trade association dedicated to the specialty
chemical industry
WHERE:
Washington, D.C.
WEBSITE
:
MANUFACTURING
