Congressman Robin Hayes Applauds Corning Anti-Dumping Decision
Thursday, January 6, 2005
China Reverses Charges of Dumping Fiber Optic Cable
Hayes: "It is inconceivable that Corning engaged in dumping."
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-8) today applauded the reversal of an earlier charge that Corning was illegally dumping fiber optic cable in Chinese markets. The reversal of these charges lifted a 16 percent duty on Corning's fiber optic products in China. Corning is the world's largest producer of fiber optic cable. In 2004, China accounted for 21% of the fiber optic market.
"I applaud the recent decision to reverse the anti-dumping charges against Corning," said Hayes. "China's Ministry of Commerce incorrectly charged Corning in the first place, so I am pleased to see that they admitted a mistake had been made. This decision has local ramifications for Cabarrus County.
"The future of the Corning manufacturing facility in Midland depends on global demand for fiber optic cable. An open and fair Chinese market is central to the U.S. fiber optic cable industry."
Hayes and other members of Congress sent a letter to Chinese Ambassador Yang Jiechi stating, "North Carolina is the center for the manufacture and export of optical fiber. Corning Incorporated, the world's leader in optical fiber technology, has its manufacturing operations centered in our state. Any action against Corning's optical fiber exports has serious negative impact on our state. We assure you once again that Corning fiber is sold at a 20% premium in China because of its superior performance, quality and associated service. In light of this fact, it is inconceivable that Corning has engaged in injurious dumping. We urge you in the strongest possible terms to reverse this injustice. Failure to do so will only promote the notice that China as no interest in a fair and free trade relationship with the United States, and it strongly indicates that China wants to pursue policies designed to protect its own industries and to force American companies to transfer their technology to China."
Hayes also appealed to other U.S. officials, including the President to intervene on behalf of Corning in this case.
Bob Brown, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Corning Optical Fiber, said, "We are very pleased with the outcome of this case and especially appreciate Congressman Hayes' leadership in attesting to the fact that Corning did not engage in illegal dumping in China."
http://www.hayes.house.gov/CommunicationsCenter.asp?ARTICLE3119=7544