Alaska's fish and timber industries are more reliant on overseas markets than those in any other state. Not only will this agreement help to grow Alaska's economy by lowering export tariffs in those industries, but the market will open for environmental and oilfield services, tourism, and telecommunications. In a letter to Alaska's Congressional Delegation Knowles pointed out that China is an important and growing trade partner to Alaska. Almost half of Alaska's firms exporting to China have been small or medium-sized enterprises. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the proposed WTO agreement would result in China cutting its existing tariffs by up to 66 percent on fishery products by 2004.
China is the world's third largest wood importer.
Under the WTO agreement, China will substantially reduce its remaining tariffs on value-added wood products by 2004. Jobs impacted by the agreement include those in fish and wood industries and related sectors, such as food processing, storage, and transportation. Both the House and Senate are expected to vote on China's PNTR status during this congressional session.