Stupak Applauds President's Decision To Impose Safeguard Duties On Chinese Tires

Press Release

Stupak Applauds President's Decision To Impose Safeguard Duties On Chinese Tires

U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) applauded President Obama's decision to order safeguard duties be put in place on imports of passenger vehicle and light truck tires from China. Last week, Stupak joined his colleagues on the Executive Committee of the Congressional Steel Caucus in encouraging President Obama to put tariffs and other protections in place to address harmful surges in Chinese imports.

“I am pleased President Obama has recognized the harmful impact this recent surge of dumping cheap tires from China has on manufacturers in communities throughout Michigan and across the country,” Stupak said. “Protecting U.S. industries from unfair and illegal trade practices must remain a top priority for our country and I will continue to work with President Obama and my colleagues in Congress to make U.S. trade policy work better for American business and American workers.”

The Steel Caucus letter, sent September 10, encouraged the President to accept the recommendations of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in the case submitted by the United Steelworkers under Section 421 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the United States to put tariffs and other protections in place to address harmful surges in Chinese imports.

In his executive order, President Obama ordered a duty to passenger vehicle and light truck tires be set at 35 percent the first year, 30 percent the second year, and 25 percent the third year. This is in addition to the 4 percent duty currently in place.

“As we work to rebuild our economy, it is more important than ever that our manufacturers are operating on a level playing field with their global competitors,” Stupak said. “These safeguards will help prevent additional job losses while giving affected industries a chance to recover and remain competitive.”

Stupak also joined the Steel Caucus in sending a letter last week to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke encouraging him to close a loophole in the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) program. The letter addressed concerns that companies are using FTZ subzones to avoid paying anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws, posing a serious threat to U.S. industries targeted by unfair imports and their workers.

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