Battle Over Permanent Normal Trade Relations Status for China Intensifies in Congress.House and Senate Republicans are moving to schedule votes on permanent normal trade relations Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status is a legal designation in the United States for free trade with a foreign nation. In the U.S. the name was changed from Most Favored Nation (MFN) to PNTR in 1998. (PNTR PNTR Permanent Normal Trade Relations ) status for China in late May. Proponents are urging support for legislation that provides China with PNTR status, ending the annual congressional debates on China trade. In exchange, China is expected to open dozens of markets and provide tariff tariff, tax on imported and, more rarely, exported goods. It is also called a customs duty. Tariffs may be distinguished from other taxes in that their predominant purpose is not financial but economic—not to increase a nation's revenue but to protect domestic reductions. Opponents of PNTR are working to develop alternative mechanisms dealing with China's human and worker rights, environment, weapon exports and compliance with international commitments. Clinton administration Noun 1. Clinton administration - the executive under President Clinton executive - persons who administer the law officials have shown little interest or willingness to support legislation that would set conditions on China's behavior as the price for passage of the PNTR. However, some observers believe that a proposal that would grant PNTR but maintain yearly debate in Congress over labor, human rights and environmental issues is the key to winning PNTR passage in the House. |
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