Emergency Committee For American Trade

ECAT Concerned by EU Action against Intel

News Release For Immediate Release

May 15, 2009 Contact: Liz Clemons, 202-659-5147

ECAT Concerned by EU Action against Intel

Disconnect between EU Commission Findings and Innovative Processor Market

Washington, D.C., May 15, 2009: Calman J. Cohen, President of the Emergency Committee for American Trade (ECAT), issued the following statement after the announcement of the European Union Commission to impose a record fine against Intel Corporation for alleged anti-competitive practices:

"ECAT is very concerned by the EU Commission's levy of a record-level fine against Intel Corporation in a process that appears to have failed to take into consideration key issues. There is a great disconnect between the findings of the Commission and the enormous fine levied and the vibrant microprocessor market where innovation continues to flourish and prices continue to go down.

"The EU's decision is one of a troubling trend that appears to ignore thriving competition and the lack of harm to the consumer, in favor of leveling fines on successful innovative companies. This decision warrants a substantial review that includes greater transparency and full due-process protections."

Background: On May 13, 2009, the EU Commission announced a $1.45 million fine on Intel Corporation for alleged anti-competitive practices. The EU Commission's decision has not yet been made public.

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Founded in 1967, ECAT is an organization of the heads of leading U.S. international business enterprises representing all major sectors of the American economy. Their annual worldwide sales exceed $2.7 trillion, and they employ more than 6.4 persons. ECAT's purpose is to promote economic growth through the expansion of international trade and investment.

Attached Document(s): 05-15-09 ECAT Concerned by EU Action.pdf