|
|
 |
|
The
views expressed
on this page are soley those of the author and do not
necessarily
represent the views of County News Online
|
 |
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
Enforcing Trade
Laws to Boost Exports and Support Ohio Businesses
When I travel across Ohio, I hear from business owners who have
successfully expanded their companies, created jobs, and sold their
products in foreign markets. In 2013, Ohio exports totaled a
record-breaking $50.8 billion. To quantify that, every $1 billion in
exports supports nearly 5,000 domestic jobs. And in Ohio, more than one
quarter of our state's manufacturing jobs rely on exports.
Last week, I joined United States Trade Representative Michael Froman
in a visit to Jet, Incorporated; a small business in Cleveland that is
creating jobs by designing, manufacturing, and exporting innovative
wastewater treatment systems to 33 countries all over the world.
Exports comprise more than 20 percent of Jet's sales and, in 2012, the
company received the President's “E” Award for making a significant
contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. Companies like Jet, Inc.
are the reason that U.S. exports reached $2.3 trillion in 2013, a new
record for a fourth straight year.
Last month, Congress agreed on a short-term reauthorization for the
Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank). This important entity, which offers
loans, guarantees, and insurance for American businesses seeking to
export their products, will now be funded through June 30, 2015. While
I'm relieved funding did not lapse for the Ex-Im Bank, I am worried
that this short-term reauthorization will create uncertainty for Ohio
businesses who are looking to sell goods overseas. Our foreign
competitors in Europe and Asia know that their versions of Ex-Im Bank
will be there for them. We need to provide our businesses with the same
certainty. That's why I plan to work with my Senate colleagues on a
long-term solution for the Ex-Im Bank when Congress reconvenes. In
addition to boosting American exports, we need to address unfair
foreign imports made in countries that violate international trade law.
When countries undervalue their currency or flood the market with
underpriced goods, it is Ohio workers and suppliers who pay the price.
In July, I went before the International Trade Commission (ITC) on
behalf of Ohio's steel tube workers and businesses, testifying that the
influx of cheap foreign Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) hurt the
competiveness of Ohio manufacturers and threatened the jobs of their
workers. Because foreign countries were pricing their OCTG below market
value, an unfair and illegal trade practice, American companies were
being shut out. In August, the ITC ruled that six countries had
illegally “dumped” their goods in the U.S. market and levied trade
tariffs against the offending countries.
Supporting Ohio's workers and suppliers requires a commitment to trade
enforcement and export strategies. Trade enforcement means ensuring a
level playing field for Ohio manufacturers by defending them from
unfair trade practices, and supporting export strategies means creating
and maintaining jobs for manufacturing communities across the state and
nation. By supporting the Ex-Im Bank and enforcing our nation's trade
laws, we can help Ohio businesses explore new markets and new
opportunities.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
U.S. Senator
|
|
|
|
