Trade Policy Requests

Industry Position
"Strong trade laws, strictly enforced" must be the cornerstone of any pro-manufacturing agenda for the United States. Enforcement of our trade remedy laws is not "protectionism." 
 
1) Keep Our Laws against Unfair Trade and Injurious Surges Strong
Oppose trade law weakening in any trade agreement, including the WTO Doha Round, pending free trade agreements (FTAs) and revisions of existing FTAs. 
Oppose precipitous implementation of adverse WTO trade law decisions without proper congressional consultation. 
Support legislation that restores the strength of U.S. trade laws and updates existing trade remedies based on new economic realities (e.g., CVD for NMEs and remedies for currency manipulation).
 
2) Keep Trade Laws and Agreements Strictly Enforced
Support only top trade-related political appointments who believe in the trade laws they are commissioned to negotiate and enforce (USTR, Commerce, International Trade Commission, Customs). 
Support more resources for Commerce's Import Administration. 
Support an enhanced Customs focus on commercial enforcement (fraud, trade law evasion and product safety problems). 
Encourage greater commitment from and strengthen resources for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in exercising U.S. rights under existing law and agreements. 
Support the use of all legal tools available to: bring more WTO cases (e.g., China raw materials trade barriers); defend more vigorously against attacks on U.S. law; and collaborate more closely with domestic counsel, including participation in proceedings.
 
3) Use All Means Available to Prevent/ Address Surges from China
Support full and strict CVD application against China and maintenance of China's NME status under AD law. 
Be vigilant about China export trends and developments in China that are driving them. 
Support application of Section 421 (China "special safeguard") trade remedies vs. disruptive China import surges, and urge all possible legal action surges at the earliest possible moment.
 
4) Advance a Pro-Manufacturing Agenda
Make sure the trade and competitiveness aspects of climate change are fully analyzed and addressed, including through the option of applying a border-adjustment to imports if needed. 
Ensure that U.S. laws and regulations do not place an excessive, anti-competitive burden on U.S. manufacturers. 
Address fundamental WTO tax inequities.