Portman, Brown object to federal court ruling on trade practices
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U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Lorain, have spoken out against the ruling by a federal appeals court, saying it could hurt businesses in Ohio and across the U.S.
Portman issued the following statement regarding Monday’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to strike down the U.S. Commerce Department’s duties against China for subsidizing many of its products:
“This ruling is a step backward for Ohio workers and families seeking relief from unfair trade practices from countries such as China.
“These duties were enacted only after a comprehensive investigation, and over 20 Chinese products are currently subjected to such treatment. If the administration is serious about protecting American workers from unfair international competition, they should expeditiously seek congressional authority to continue this practice that protects American workers.”
The ruling halted the U.S. from imposing countervailing duties on imports from non-market economies like China. In non-market economies, the government coordinates all or most business activity in the country. These tariffs are used to protect American workers from cheap imports that are unfairly subsidized by foreign governments at the detriment of Ohio-manufactured products, including steel.
As U.S. trade representative, Portman initiated the first-ever legal case to be litigated and won against China before the World Trade Organization because of China's unfair treatment of U.S.-made auto parts.
“This is a one-two punch for Miami Valley manufacturers,” said Brown. “Too many have been undermined by a flood of cheap Chinese imports priced artificially low due to currency manipulation. Now, the Commerce Department is being told it can’t fight back when China cheats.”
According to a report this week by the Dayton Daily News, a U.S. Commerce Department spokesman said: “The Commerce Department is greatly disappointed with the decision,” adding, “the administration is currently considering judicial and legislative options and will take appropriate actions as soon as possible. The Commerce Department remains committed to vigorous enforcement of U.S. trade law to ensure that U.S. companies and workers have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.”[[In-content Ad]]
Portman issued the following statement regarding Monday’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to strike down the U.S. Commerce Department’s duties against China for subsidizing many of its products:
“This ruling is a step backward for Ohio workers and families seeking relief from unfair trade practices from countries such as China.
“These duties were enacted only after a comprehensive investigation, and over 20 Chinese products are currently subjected to such treatment. If the administration is serious about protecting American workers from unfair international competition, they should expeditiously seek congressional authority to continue this practice that protects American workers.”
The ruling halted the U.S. from imposing countervailing duties on imports from non-market economies like China. In non-market economies, the government coordinates all or most business activity in the country. These tariffs are used to protect American workers from cheap imports that are unfairly subsidized by foreign governments at the detriment of Ohio-manufactured products, including steel.
As U.S. trade representative, Portman initiated the first-ever legal case to be litigated and won against China before the World Trade Organization because of China's unfair treatment of U.S.-made auto parts.
“This is a one-two punch for Miami Valley manufacturers,” said Brown. “Too many have been undermined by a flood of cheap Chinese imports priced artificially low due to currency manipulation. Now, the Commerce Department is being told it can’t fight back when China cheats.”
According to a report this week by the Dayton Daily News, a U.S. Commerce Department spokesman said: “The Commerce Department is greatly disappointed with the decision,” adding, “the administration is currently considering judicial and legislative options and will take appropriate actions as soon as possible. The Commerce Department remains committed to vigorous enforcement of U.S. trade law to ensure that U.S. companies and workers have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.”[[In-content Ad]]