Buy American Act

26.11.2003

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3601/03
by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel (ELDR)
to the Commission

The Buy American Act is a piece of legislation which relates to products purchased by US government bodies in connection with projects which they finance. The purpose of the Act is to support American businesses and employees by preferentially purchasing their products.

 

During tender procedures, for example, American businesses are given information about bids by foreign - e.g. European - businesses. The American businesses are then given the opportunity to submit a lower bid.

 

1. Is the Commission aware of the role played by the US administration and government bodies in tender procedures on the basis of the Buy American Act?

 

2. Is the Commission aware of the disadvantages which this Act entails for many European businesses, for example Dutch biotechnology companies?

 

3. Is this Act protectionist and does it contravene WTO provisions?

OJ C 782 E, 27/03/2004