The World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body ruled on Thursday that China hoarded rare earth minerals at the expense of American manufacturers.
Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who previously urged the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a case against China, applauded the WTO’s decision.
“Manufacturing is vital to Ohio’s economy, and I’m pleased that the trade court has ruled against China’s blatantly discriminatory behavior that hurts Ohio workers,” Portman said. “I will continue to strongly support efforts to ensure that Ohio workers are able to operate on a level playing field around the world.”
American manufacturers rely on imported tungsten and molybdenum to produce things like turbines, lighting and electronics. China, which accounts for 97 percent of the world’s supply of the rare earth minerals, allegedly put manufacturers at a disadvantage by imposing quotas and heavy tariffs on their export.
“This is excellent news for Ohio and American manufacturers,” Brown said. “Manufacturing is the backbone of the American economy. But in order for our industry to compete, it needs a level playing field. That means holding countries like China accountable when they violate trade policy by hoarding rare earth and other materials. The World Trade Organization’s decision will help protect American businesses and the jobs they support.”