Maine’s wood products industry won’t have to bear the brunt of unfair and illegal foreign trade practices thanks to U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin’s (R-ME) October testimony before the International Trade Commission (ITC).
The ITC on Dec. 1 voted 4-0 to halt dumping of Chinese hardwood imports by activating significant tariffs on those products, favoring producers in Maine and across America over illegal Chinese subsidies. As a result, China will not be able to sell hardwood products in the United States at less than fair market value.
A bicameral, bipartisan group of lawmakers joined Poliquin in testifying in support of U.S. wood products before the ITC in October.
“Mainers are the hardest working people in the world and can compete and win against anyone, but the rules have to be fair,” Poliquin said. “For too long, Mainers have borne the brunt of unfair and illegal trade practices from foreign competition. In particular, Chinese manufacturers, backed by the Chinese government, have had an unfair advantage over our wood products industry, not playing by the rule.”
Local industry appreciated Poliquin rooting for them.
“On behalf of the 161 Columbia Forest Products employees in Presque Isle, Maine, we are both thrilled and thankful with the results at the ITC,” said Gary Gillespie, vice president of Northern Operations for Columbia Forest Products, a large manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer products. “This victory for American manufacturing is in no small part due to the tireless support of Congressman Poliquin.”
The congressman added, “The ITC’s unanimous ruling in favor of Maine jobs is a strong and encouraging victory for hundreds of hardworking Mainers in Presque Isle. I am thrilled with the commission’s definitive ruling and will continue to fight to ensure Mainers can compete on a level playing field.”