Marcy Kaptur

09/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/13/2024 12:56

Kaptur and Dingell Applaud Decisive USTR Action to Fight Unfair Chinese Trade Practices and Support Domestic Auto Manufacturing and UAW WorkersPress ReleaseTradeJobs and the[...]

Toledo, Ohio - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Democratic Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional House Automotive Caucus and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement applauding US Trade Representative Katherine Tai's decision to implement a 100% tariff on imported Chinese electric vehicles.

"The decision to take this critical step toward blocking predatory Communist Chinese trade practices in the US automotive market underscores an unwavering commitment to US manufacturers and their workers," said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). "China systematically engages in overproduction and strategic dumping to harm free-market economies around the globe. We know this from the travails of the steel industry, and the free-market nations have learned our lesson - if the Chinese government puts its thumb on the economic scale, the US government must respond in kind in order to keep our automakers on an even footing. This decisive action supports US auto manufacturers and their American work force in the face of this imminent threat. Targeted tariffs will stop the dumping of Chinese electric cars into the US, blocking what would otherwise be a fatal blow to the budding US electric vehicle market."

"I strongly support the Biden Administration's decision to increase tariffs to strengthen domestic automotive manufacturing, protect American jobs, and safeguard our global leadership in the auto industry. We aren't competing on a level playing field, and we have seen the impact of unfair trade practices in the past," said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). "The Chinese Community Party's use of aggressive subsidies doesn't protect living wages, fair labor practices, occupational safety standards for workers, or environmental standards. We must compete in a fair marketplace. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to protect American jobs and competitiveness, and our economic and national security."

In May Congresswoman Kaptur applauded the Biden Administration's decision to enact a slew of protections for US manufacturers who compete with penny wage companies abroad including on imports on Chinese EV's and other products dumped by China on American markets. According to recent market reports, China's exploited workers have manufactured an oversupply of hybrid vehicles selling for $10,000 each. Dumping of vehicles across the world will create enormous disruption in automotive markets. Chinese auto manufacturer BYD for example received at least $2.6 Billion in government subsidies between 2008 and 2022, the total investment is currently under investigation by the EU. Additionally, BYD enjoys other state-sponsored advantages, and is building its own fleet of ships to export worldwide.

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