Kagen Defends Wisconsin Idustry, Higher Wage Jobs
Press Release
KAGEN DEFENDS WISCONSIN INDUSTRY, HIGHER WAGE JOBS
Congressman Steve Kagen strongly endorsed a Commerce Department ruling to penalize China for illegally subsidizing its paper industry. The U.S. Commerce Department found that China's illegal subsidies threaten to bankrupt American producers of high-gloss coated paper.
"This ruling will help level the playing field for American producers of high gloss coated paper," Kagen said. "This decision, if it is implemented, will mean more sales for Wisconsin paper companies, more overtime and more jobs for Wisconsin workers."
Kagen delivered a major address to the North East Wisconsin Global Trade Conference on Tuesday. Kagen spoke on the challenges of trade and the threat to Wisconsin industry and higher wage jobs.
"What we are talking about is competition for global dominance," Kagen said. "What's at stake is the survival of our economic system, our industries and our very way of life. This is as true today as it was at the height of the Cold War."
Kagen said today's threat comes from "China's economic planners who have targeted our industries for elimination." He went on, "We cannot close our eyes to the very real threats posed by a determined adversary committed to driving American industry into extinction."
The Commerce Department ruling drew praise from diverse corners.
Leo W. Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers of America, whose union represents paper workers, said "This is an important day for the thousands of paper workers throughout the United States. The message to foreign governments is, 'Stop providing unfair subsidies to your exporters.' "
John Engler, former governor of Michigan and current president of the National Association of Manufacturers, said the announcement was "great news and an important step toward balanced trade with China."
America's trade deficit with China reached a record $232.5 billion last year.
The ruling may lead to fees being charged on Chinese imports for steel, plastics, machinery, textiles and many other products being sold in the United States, if, as expected, those industries seek relief and the department finds that they are being harmed by illegal subsidies.
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