The United Steelworkers (USW) today praised President Obama for his commitment to workers in America’s auto and auto parts sector by announcing a new effort to fight Chinese unfair trade practices.

In January, the USW, joined by other unions, U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown, Bob Casey, Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Sandy Levin, along with other leading members of Congress, highlighted a broad array of practices and policies adopted by China to promote its auto and auto parts sector to the disadvantage of foreign producers and their workers. Following this, 189 Members of Congress wrote to the President, asking that action be initiated by his Administration to address China’s practices.

Today, the Administration announced that action will be initiated to address China’s export subsidies, a critical component of their programs to flood the U.S. with unfairly priced auto parts. “Today’s announcement makes clear the President’s commitment to enforcing U.S. trade laws and fighting for American workers,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “His action, coupled with other steps to fight for fair trade, are rebuilding confidence that when people work hard and play by the rules, the President will stand up for them. He’s making it clear to China that their unfair, predatory and protectionist policies must end.”

It’s the first action of the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC) created by the President designed to act as a SWAT team to identify and end unfair foreign trade practices. The creation of the ITEC makes clear that the President doesn’t view a ‘business as usual’ approach as sufficient. The ITEC solidifies the commitment of the Obama Administration to fighting unfair trade practices and provides the necessary tools to step up the fight ... more