New Dem Chairman Rep. Kind Commends the Obama Administration for Taking Action to Hold China Accountable and Level the Playing Field for American Workers and Businesses
Today, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman announced that the United States has launched a new trade enforcement action against the People’s Republic of China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning China’s export duties on nine different raw materials. The export duties China imposes provide substantial competitive advantages for Chinese manufacturers by making it more expensive for American manufacturers that rely on these raw materials to produce their goods.
“The U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important global partnerships, but it must be based on the rule of law and enforceable standards. If a country is not living up to the agreements we have made then the United States must take enforcement action to hold them accountable,” said New Democrat Chairman Ron Kind (WI-03). “Today’s action will level the playing field for our American workers and businesses in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and food processing sectors.”
The nine raw materials included in this action are antimony, cobalt, copper, graphite, lead, magnesia, talc, tantalum, and tin. When China joined the WTO, China agreed to eliminate its export duties on these products, but using these unfairly priced raw materials creates an uneven playing field for U.S. competitors. Since 2009, the Administration has brought 22 enforcement actions at the WTO, and won every single one decided thus far.
The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.
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