Procter & Gamble sells consumer products in more than 180 countries. We have 25 manufacturing sites in 19 U.S. states and territories, as well as nearly 90 manufacturing sites in foreign countries, where we manufacture products close to the consumers we serve worldwide. Here in Auburn, I am proud that we employ nearly 400 people. Within Maine, P&G purchases about $18 million of products and services from over 190 suppliers.

P&G has been a global company for more than 100 of our 180 years. In fact, one in five of P&G’s U.S.-based jobs support our international business. So, when P&G succeeds in international markets, it means we succeed here at home, too.

However, the federal corporate tax rate in the U.S. is the highest in the developed world, at 35 percent. The current global average for developed countries is about 24 percent, and countries are lowering their rates further, creating a downward trend. This makes it harder for P&G and other U.S.-headquartered businesses – small and large – to compete with peer companies headquartered overseas. Congress is currently considering legislation that would lower the corporate tax rate to 20 percent.

Congress is also considering legislation that would move the U.S. tax code from a worldwide corporate income tax system to what is known as a territorial tax system. Unlike P&G, our competitors headquartered outside the United States – who already operate under a territorial system – do not pay additional tax to their home countries when they sell products outside their home countries.

It is important to remember that economic growth and jobs in our community depend on having a competitive U.S. tax system. The details will matter, but a competitive U.S. tax system will boost economic growth here at home and level the playing field for U.S. businesses and workers – including P&G’s U.S. employees here in Auburn.

Rick Duffy

plant manager, P&G Manufacturing Facility (Tampax)

Auburn

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