NEW U.S.-VIETNAM TRADE AGREEMENT TO SPUR CERAMICS USE IN AMERICA'S GARDENS

Seattle, WA., Nov. 29 - Yesterday, the Vietnamese National Assembly signed the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement, which establishes normal trade relations between the two countries. As a result, tariffs imposed on goods imported into the United States from Vietnam will be dramatically reduced. Duties charged on imported goods from Vietnam, previously averaging 40%, will now fall to an average of 4%, similar to the rate enjoyed by most trading nations.

For the ceramics industry, says Cameron Oliva, president of Champa Ceramics in Seattle, Washington, whose company provides high-quality garden pottery made in Vietnam, it means that "sales of ceramics, which had already increased by 50% in the first half of 2001 from the previous year, placing the ceramics business among the top ten exports from Vietnam to the U.S., will have a greater volume increase in the years to come."

Oliva notes that ceramics, which falls in the handicraft category, now ranks along with the other main products the U.S. currently imports from Vietnam such as shrimp and prawns, coffee, rubber-soled footwear, petroleum oils and cashew nuts.

The trade agreement couldn't have come at a greater time for our business, says Oliva, whose company began importing Vietnamese pottery over a year ago. "We have experienced a welcoming reception among landscape designers and architects, interiorscapers and nurseries for our stoneware pottery in rustic and glazed styles. Now, with lowered tariff rates, total costs will be reduced and a greater variety of ceramics, at lower prices, will result for America's homes, businesses and other landscaping locations," Oliva said.

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