Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

House Okays Rumanian Trade Pact

Advertisement

The House today approved by a vote of 355-41 the United States-Rumanian trade agreement. The action, three days after the Senate voted 88-2 to approve the agreement, completed Congressional action on a request made by President Ford April 24. Congressional approval was timed to coincide with Ford’s current European trip which will include a visit to Rumania. Approval of the pact with Rumania was delayed until it received assurances that Rumania relaxed its policy on Jewish emigration.

This is the first time in 15 years that the U.S. has granted a Communist country non-discriminatory tariff treatment, formerly called most favored nation tariff treatment. The last time Congress approved the same low tariff rates for a Communist country that are extended to non-Communist countries was in 1960 when trade with Poland was liberalized. Yugoslavia is the only other Communist country whose goods are taxed at low tariff rates.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement