Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement in response to the announcement that the United States will take action against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning China’s subsidies to certain producers of primary aluminum. Loebsack serves as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Aluminum Caucus and has been a longtime supporter of creating a level playing field for Iowa workers. A photo from today’s press conference can be found here.
“When Iowa’s workers can compete on a level playing field, they will outcompete any other workers in the world, and today’s action will help level the playing field,” said Loebsack. “At a time when our economy is still struggling to recover, we have to do all we can to focus on preserving and protecting jobs here at home by working to stop the unfair practices by states like China. I will continue to fight against unfair and illegal trade practices to ensure Iowans are competing on a level playing field.”
The complaint filed today begins a process to address U.S. concerns that China’s subsidies appear to have caused “serious prejudice” under WTO rules to U.S. interests by artificially expanding Chinese capacity, production and market share and causing a significant lowering in the global price for primary aluminum. Today’s announcement marks the 16th trade enforcement challenge the Obama Administration has launched against China at the WTO.
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