Trade Cases

Manufacturer Coalition Opposes China Market Economy Status

Written by Sandy Williams

March 16, 2016

U.S. manufacturers are taking a firm stance against market economy status for China. AISI announced formation of a coalition, Manufacturers for Trade Enforcement, to oppose China’s request for market economy designation at the end of 2016.

The coalition says China does not meet the established criteria for a market economy.

“Our industries can compete against any other market-oriented competitors, but we cannot compete against the Chinese government,” said Heidi Brock, President & CEO of the Aluminum Association. “The Chinese economy does not meet the basic requirements set forth by U.S. statutes and the Department of Commerce for a functioning market economy, and we will work together in this coalition to speak loudly, and with one strong voice, to prevent China from gaining a status that it does not yet deserve.”

Granting market economy status would put U.S. jobs at risk, said the coalition, by limiting the ability for U.S. manufacturers to seek remedies for unfair trade practices by Chinese firms.

“The unfortunate reality is China continues to be a state-run economy in many respects, creating an unlevel playing field for manufacturers here at home,” said Thomas J. Gibson, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute. “What we are calling for is a fair and accurate assessment of the Chinese economy – and we believe that will show that market economy status for China is not warranted at this time.”

The following groups, representing 800,000 direct manufacturing jobs in the U.S., have united to oppose market status for China:

• Alliance for American Manufacturing 
• Aluminum Association 
• American Fiber Manufacturers Association 
• American Iron and Steel Institute 
• Narrow Fabrics Institute 
• National Council of Textile Organizations 
• PET Resin Association 
• U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute

You may read the entire press release from AISI here.

Sandy Williams

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