Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today praised the termination of an export subsidy program that gave China an unfair advantage in seven industries, including agriculture and aluminum.

“China has illegally subsidized manufacturers and producers across seven economic sectors – several of which directly harm businesses and farms in Washington’s First District,” DelBene said. “I’m outraged by the unfair practices China has employed to manipulate markets and I will continue to fight for policies that support U.S. workers. We need strong rules and enforcement to ensure a level-playing field for U.S. businesses competing in the global market, which is why this agreement is so important.”

Last year, DelBene joined U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman in announcing that the United States was pursuing a dispute settlement with China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning China’s “Demonstration Bases-Common Service Platform” export subsidy program. It provided prohibited export subsidies to manufacturers and producers in seven economic sectors – textiles, advanced metals, light industry, specialty chemicals, medical products, building materials and agriculture – creating an unfair advantage for Chinese businesses through grants and discounted services.

Froman announced today that an agreement was reached and China would end its harmful program.

DelBene has also demanded an investigation into China’s market manipulation of aluminum and the U.S. International Trade Commission is expected to conclude that inquiry in a year. She also serves on the President’s Export Council.

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