News Center
May, 16, 2007
Letter-to-the Editor
Chicago Tribune
The editorial “Slouching toward a trade war” is needlessly alarmist about proposed responses to China’s unfair, illegal and market-distorting trade practices. The reality is that these practices are harming American workers and businesses, and placing a dangerous drag on our economy’s gross domestic product. In industries as diverse as agriculture, strategic materials, steel, computer chips and other high-tech goods, American businesses and workers are facing a torrent of illegally subsidized imports from China, aided by currency manipulation by the Chinese government.
Congress and the administration should continue to ensure that China plays by the rules it agreed to when it entered the World Trade Organization in 2001. In an era when we expect increased accountability from our own government, it’s disappointing that the Tribune would invoke Depression-era fears and suggest that a blind eye should be turned to international trade violations that are contributing to an enormous loss of American jobs and income.
The U.S. $235 billion trade deficit with China is evidence enough that something’s wrong with our trade policy. The American people deserve a trade policy that calls for accountability, not one that turns a blind eye to illegal practices.
Scott N. Paul
Executive director
Alliance for American Manufacturing
Washington
