WASHINGTON – Last week, USTR took targeted action to resurrect American shipbuilding and remedy China’s unreasonable acts, policies, and practices to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.
These responsive actions were quickly met with widespread praise from unions, manufacturers, farmers, and lawmakers:
United Steelworkers International President David McCall: “USTR’s thorough investigation validated our charges, and today’s announcement lays out a series of strong steps to restore U.S. shipbuilding capacity. Coupled with a recent Executive Order on shipbuilding, the USTR’s measures expand the arsenal to combat China’s policies.”
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers: “The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) applauds the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for enacting measures to protect American jobs, national security and the American shipbuilding industry with much-need relief measures.”
Steel Manufacturers Association: “The bold actions of @USTradeRep will allow American shipbuilders to compete against China and build ships with American-made steel. We look forward to working with USTR to enhance our global manufacturing competitiveness and create more American jobs.”
Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul: “Our nation’s shipbuilders and workers deserve a level playing field and haven’t had one for decades. We thank the United Steelworkers and their labor partners for initiating this groundbreaking case. These measures, coupled with strategic investments in our maritime supply chains and workforce, open new opportunities to revitalize a critically important sector. We look forward to working with the administration and bipartisan supporters in Congress to make sure that this effort is a success.”
U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG): “U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) extend thanks to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for targeting the proposed Section 301 actions regarding Chinese maritime practices in ways that protect U.S. farm commodity export competitiveness.”
U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand: “This decision, resulting from a year-long investigation and a bipartisan hearing, was made with the best interests of U.S. grain producers in mind and the Council thanks the USTR for moving to protect U.S. exporters and their trading partners abroad.”
National Corn Growers Association: “While direct impacts on agriculture are still being determined, the final proposal is a step in the right direction to mitigate impacts on shipments of commodities, which directly impact corn growers, say agricultural leaders.”
Senator Roger Marshall: “Thanks to President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for putting America first by placing industry-friendly service fees on Chinese-manufactured ships that carry U.S. farm commodities. China has dominated global shipping fleets for too long. This move protects American agriculture, boosts domestic shipbuilding, and strengthens our national security.”
Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the Select Committee on the Chinese Community Party: "The U.S. builds just a fraction of the world’s ships, while China leverages its commercial shipbuilding advantage to expand its lead as the world’s largest navy. These targeted measures by USTR, alongside the administration’s executive order, are an impactful and necessary step toward protecting our national security, revitalizing America’s maritime strength, and strengthening our supply chains.”
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett: “I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with and question US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer during a Ways & Means Committee hearing last week and at that time urging the Ambassador to consider the practical impacts of tariff actions on the U.S. outlying areas and ultimately reconsider those actions . . . USTR Ambassador Greer took my letter into serious consideration when making final arrangements of this action.”
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