Economy Blog  |  April 20, 2009

Senators, other lawmakers supportive of USW unfair trade case claim against Chinese tires

Several lawmakers have made statements about the USW's unfair trade case claim against makers of Chinese tires.

U. S. Richard Durbin of Illinois said:

Imports of tires from China have dramatically increased since 2004. In a four year period of time, the volumeof consumer tire imports from China more than doubled and the value of imports nearly tripled. China is now the largest single exporter of consumer tires to the United States.

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U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas said:

“There is no denying that global trade is critical to the success of American businesses and producers.  However, trade has to be fair.  In the past few years, time and time again, we have seen where our trade laws have been circumvented and abused by our trading partners, to the detriment of American workers. 

“I am following with keen interest the recently filed ‘421’ case on consumer tires.  Evidence shows that there has been a tremendous surge of consumer tire imports from China.  I hope the ITC and the Administration will give this case careful and objective consideration.  Jobs are at stake and we must use the tools at our disposal to ensure a level playing field for our workers.” 

Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan sent this letter. Republican Sen. Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania also released a statement about the case. As did Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) issued the following statement in response to the United Steelworkers’ (USW) case filed today under Section 421 of U.S. trade laws to address to surging imports of consumer tires from China.

“China’s share of consumer tire imports has nearly tripled over the past five years. Thousands of workers have lost jobs, and we should expect more job loss unless we use the trade enforcement tools we have in our toolkit. Congress negotiated a safeguard measure with China for just this very reason. I trust President Obama will look at this petition objectively and decide the appropriate remedy on the merits.

Using tools like the China ‘421’ safeguard measure is not protectionism. Enforcement of trade remedy laws consistent with WTO rules is not protectionism. One of the steps in rebuilding a trade strategy is to rebalance our trading relationship with China.”