March 13,2012

Press Contact:

Communications Office
(202) 224-4515

Baucus Backs WTO Complaint Against China’s Rare Earth Mineral Export Restrictions

MEMORANDUM

To: Reporters and Editors
From: The Communications Office of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Re: Baucus Backs WTO Complaint Against China’s Rare Earths Export Restrictions

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) today applauded the announcement that the U.S., the European Union and Japan have filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization over China’s tight restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, which are critical components in many U.S. manufactured goods. From Chairman Baucus:

“Renewable energy companies and high-tech and other manufacturers here in the United States are directly harmed by China’s unfair restrictions on rare earth mineral exports. China’s harsh export quotas and duties make the playing field uneven, and they’re a clear violation of the rules. Our priority is standing up for American businesses and American jobs, so we need to continue to use every tool in the box to hold China accountable and make sure it plays by the rules.”

###