Bicameral Group of Members Raises Alarm on Japan’s Possible Interest in Joining TPP Negotiations

(WASHINGTON) – Today, dozens of House members and Senators are sending a letter to President Obama later today raising the alarm about Japan’s possible interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations between the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and several Pacific Rim countries. The letter, still circulating for signatures, will go to President Obama later this afternoon. Current signatories are below. After signing the letter, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) issued the following statement:

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“With the auto industry just now regaining its fiscal footing and profitability, it’s a very serious development that USTR is considering opening the domestic auto  industry up to unfair competition from one of the most restrictive markets for automobiles in the world,” said Conyers.

“It is incumbent that USTR carefully scrutinize Japan’s potential entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership.  American auto workers and manufacturers can’t afford another free trade deal that adds to our country’s $76 billion annual trade deficit with Japan.”

Letter to President Barack Obama from Bicameral Members of Congress on Japan’s possible interest in joining... by Beverly Tran

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Conyers Calls on U.S. Government to Contest Unfair Chinese Duties on American Cars

For Immediate Release

Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Contact: Matthew Morgan – 202-226-5543

Conyers Calls on U.S. Government to Contest Unfair Chinese Duties on American Cars     

(WASHINGTON) –  Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI 14.) joined Representative Gary Peters (D-MI 09) and 25 of their House colleagues in a letter urging President Obama to work with the United States Trade Representative to initiate a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute contesting the recent trade duties China imposed on American vehicles.  This latest set of  tariffs levied on American cars, which are in addition to existing taxes and duties that already could add up to 25% more to the cost of an American vehicle, represents the Chinese government’s continuing engagement in unfair trade practices in regards to American imports.

“Despite being a member of the WTO for over 10 years, China has consistently employed unfair trade practices at the expense of American manufacturers,” said Conyers.  “The U.S has every right to press its case before the WTO.  China is obligated to allow American car manufacturers and autoworkers to compete in their markets on a level playing field.”  

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China Auto Duties Letter To White House, February 13, 2012

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