Commentary

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on Obama Administration’s Action to Enforce Trade Laws with China


Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–September 17, 2012.  Today, President Obama took decisive action against the Chinese government’s unfair trade actions to ensure that American workers can compete fairly – and win good jobs in the global economy. U.S. workers and businesses suffer when countries violate global trade rules. Unfair and imbalanced trade contributes to slow job growth and a weak economic recovery.

We congratulate President Obama for taking the initiative to thoroughly investigate the Chinese government’s unfair and illegal export subsidies to the auto sector – and for holding the Chinese government accountable, so that it plays by the rules it has agreed to in the global trading system. President Obama understands that allowing America’s manufacturing sector to grow and thrive is essential to a healthy and sustainable economy, and that is why this Administration has brought twice the number of trade cases against China as the previous administration.

Make no mistake: Much more needs to be done to reform our trading system and enforce our trade laws vigorously and consistently. With today’s action, the President is forcefully addressing the Chinese government’s predatory policies in the auto and auto parts sector, as well as demonstrating the administration’s willingness to self-initiate unfair trade cases where needed.  That is good news, not just for workers who rely on the auto industry, but for the entire American economy.

Source: aflcio.org


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