Collins, King & Michaud Welcome U.S. Trade Representative Froman to Maine

Norridgewock, Maine - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Mike Michaud today welcomed United States Trade Representative Michael Froman to Maine, where he joined Senator King and Representative Michaud on a tour of New Balance’s manufacturing facility in Norridgewock. Senator Collins, who is managing the Senate Transportation and Housing and Urban Development funding bill on the Senate floor, was not able to join the tour. She last visited the New Balance facility in Norway in February.

“Maine has a long and proud shoemaking history, and the talented men and women who work at New Balance facilities in our state are part of that legacy. We hope Ambassador Froman left today’s visit with a deeper understanding of the critical role this industry plays in supporting Maine’s economy and thousands of families across the state, and as a result, will not pursue any trade policies that could potentially undermine it,” Senators Collins and King and Representative Michaud said in a joint statement. “New Balance has been absolutely exemplary in its commitment to providing good-paying manufacturing jobs here at home, and any trade agreement that costs a Mainer, or any American, their job simply does not make sense.”

“New Balance is grateful for the aggressive leadership of the Maine’s congressional delegation.  Senator Collins and King and Representative Michaud have been outstanding leaders on these important trade issues and their efforts are appreciated by all of New Balance's manufacturing associates. We are hopeful that today's visit by Mr. Froman will help the Obama Administration understand the importance of preserving footwear manufacturing in Maine," said Rob DeMartini, President and CEO.

Senator King successfully secured Mr. Froman’s visit to New Balance by objecting to the Senate proceeding to his nomination in mid-June. Following a phone conversation in which Mr. Froman pledged to visit New Balance and to work closely with the Maine delegation and the company to address their concerns, Senator King released his objection and the Senate confirmed his nomination shortly thereafter.

Senator Collins and Representative Michaud, who also invited Mr. Froman to Maine, have a long record of supporting America's domestic rubber footwear industry. Senator King has made it one of his top priorities since assuming office in January. All three have repeatedly urged the Office of the Trade Representative, including former Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk and former Acting Ambassador Demetrios Marantis, to forego any discussion during the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations of reducing or ending rubber and plastic footwear tariffs because of the potentially catastrophic result it could have for New Balance and its nearly 900 employees in Maine. New Balance depends on approximately 20 long-standing tariffs that are levied on certain imported footwear products in order to level the playing field and remain competitive in producing high-quality footwear in the U.S.

The United States is currently negotiating a regional free trade agreement, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement, with Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan. Vietnam is the world's second largest footwear exporter to the United States after China.