Decision Upholds U.S. Sect. 421 Passenger & Light Truck Tire Case

The World Trade Organization (WTO) today released the decision of its Appellate Body, upholding President Obama’s decision to provide relief for American tire industry workers under Section 421 of U.S. trade law against surging imports from China of passenger and light truck tires following a petition filed by the United Steelworkers (USW) in 2009.  

USW President Leo W. Gerard reacted to the WTO decision, saying, “Today’s ruling by the WTO Appellate Body comes as good news for America’s workers on Labor Day.   The WTO reaffirmed that President Obama’s decision to stand up for America’s workers against the flood of passenger and light truck tire imports from China were legal and justified. 

“Since relief was granted by the President, the law has had its intended effect,” Gerard said. “Investments in U.S. tire manufacturing are up, jobs have been created and our companies are shipping more tires to consumers.  While we still need to accelerate our nation’s economic recovery, the economic benefits of the trade relief are clear and indisputable.” 

He added further: “President Obama and the USTR need to be commended for using America’s trade laws as they were intended, and fighting China’s claims before the WTO.   This represents an important victory for America’s workers and the resulting benefits for passenger and light truck tire producers operating here. It should signal that enforcing our trade laws is a vital part of an economic program to revitalize the economy and strengthen manufacturing ... more