Ohio senators express concern over China’s new auto tariffs
The Hill – Ohio’s senators expressed concern Monday over China’s recent decision to apply new anti-dumping duties on American-made automobiles imported from the United States.
Sens. Sherrod Brown (D) and Rob Portman (R) sent a letter Monday to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk asking him to investigate the new tariffs and to use all available tools to address the issue, saying they are “particularly concerned that China is taking this step, which could violate China’s WTO commitments.”
“This new violation is yet another reminder that the many promises made regarding China’s entry to the World Trade Organization have not lived up to expectations,” Brown said.
“If China’s flagrant currency manipulation and hoarding of rare earth materials wasn’t enough to hurt Ohio manufacturers, now comes the news that its government has decided to impose new, unwarranted tariffs on American-made automobiles,” he said.
The Ohio Democrat spearheaded, this fall, passage of legislation that would punish China for not letting its currency appreciate faster.
“Ohio auto manufacturers should not be subjected to unfair tariffs imposed by China and deserve to compete on a level playing field,” Portman said. “I hope that USTR will quickly work to resolve this dispute that will hurt Ohio jobs.”
