Sen. Merkley: WTO must examine China's unfair trade practices

June 23, 2009 -- Washington, DC – The U.S. Trade Representative today formally launched a World Trade Organization (WTO) case to examine China’s raw material export restrictions. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded the move, which is necessary to end unfair trade practices that have distorted economic incentives and hurt American businesses:

“Despite previous pledges, American companies continue to find it nearly impossible to purchase raw materials such as tin and zinc from China. Export tariffs and low quotas block access to this market, which gives Chinese enterprises an unfair advantage that violates clearly established WTO guidelines.

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“Trade is a two-way street, and for it to work, we must all play by the same fair rules. American workers and companies can compete with anyone in the world if they’re on a level playing field and I’m glad the Obama Administration is going to the WTO to ensure China lives up to its responsibilities.”

Source: Senator Jeff Merkley