Sen. Carper Statement on USTR Next Step in Dispute Against China’s Poultry Tariffs

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s request that the World Trade Organization (WTO) establish a dispute settlement panel to address China’s imposition of antidumping duties and countervailing duties on imports of chicken “broiler products” from the United States:

“Yesterday’s request by U.S. Trade Representative Kirk is an important step forward for the United States and Delaware poultry industries’ fight for fair tariffs with China. Since China imposed its shortsighted tariff on American poultry last year, U.S. exports have fallen by nearly 90 percent. This is unacceptable, particularly for the producers in our state who in recent years have counted China as one of their biggest foreign customers. This tariff also hurts Chinese citizens who will now have to pay a lot more to enjoy U.S. poultry products, which are a major staple of their diets. U.S. Trade Representative Kirk’s actions to address this unfair tax shows the world that America will not stand by and let China disregard its World Trade Organization commitments. I am hopeful that the World Trade Organization will consider our request and address this important issue.”

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