September 15,2010

Baucus Comment Regarding WTO Cases Against China

MEMORANDUM

September 15, 2010

To: Reporters and Editors
From: Scott Mulhauser for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Re: Baucus Comment Regarding WTO Cases Against China

Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) expressed support today for the Administration's decision to launch two cases against China under the World Trade Organization (WTO).  In the first case, the United States alleged that China has imposed countervailing duties and anti-dumping duties on imports of U.S. grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) products that are inconsistent with WTO rules.  Grain-oriented electrical steel products are used to manufacturer transformers and other power industry equipment.

In the second case, the United States alleged that China has failed to meet its commitment to open its market to U.S. suppliers of electronic payment processing services, such as Visa and MasterCard.  The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) delivered to the Chinese government earlier today requests for consultations – the first step in the WTO dispute settlement process.  USTR will file the consultation requests tomorrow with the WTO.

From Chairman Baucus:

"These two cases are critical steps forward in our effort to enforce our market access rights in China," said Senator Baucus.  "As we work to increase U.S. exports and create jobs here at home, China and all of our trading partners must also meet their commitments to open their markets to American exporters.  We need to continue to do all we can to rigorously monitor China's compliance with its international trade obligations."