Kohl, Brown Applaud Commerce Ruling On Unfair Chinese Paper Trade Practices
Today, US Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded the Department of Commerce for announcing its preliminary determination that the Chinese lightweight thermal paper producers and exporters were unfairly subsidized by the government of the People's Republic of China to the detriment of US producers.
"Today's findings give credence to concerns about unfair trade practices that have severely disadvantaged US producers of lightweight paper," Kohl said. "With this preliminary ruling, the Department of Commerce has taken a significant step in the right direction to prevent paper plant closings and job losses in our communities throughout the nation and in Wisconsin."
"The domestic paper industry faces unfair competition due to illegal Chinese subsidies. I'm pleased to see, in this instance, the Commerce Department intervene to ensure a level playing field for Ohio's paper manufacturers. I hope the administration sticks to its decision so we can keep these good-paying jobs in West Carrolton," Brown said.
Last week, in a letter to Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, the Senators expressed concerns over the rapid influx of suspiciously low-priced imports of lightweight thermal paper from Chin in the US market while American companies continue struggle with increasing costs. The Department of Commerce is expected to issue a final ruling this July.