On Wednesday, the U.S. Trade Representative announced it was investigating the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its alleged targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance.
The announcement comes after the review of a petition filed with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) by five national labor unions.
“The petition presents serious and concerning allegations of the PRC’s longstanding efforts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, cataloguing the PRC’s use of unfair, non-market policies and practices to achieve those goals. The allegations reflect what we have already seen across other sectors, where the PRC utilizes a wide range of non-market policies and practices to undermine fair competition and dominate the market, both in China and globally,” Ambassador Katherine Tai said. “I pledge to undertake a full and thorough investigation into the unions’ concerns.”
The USTR said in a formal notice that it is seeking public comments and will hold a public hearing as part of the investigation.
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, is designed, officials said to address unfair trade practices by other countries that may affect U.S. commerce. On March 12 of this year, the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers Union, AFL-CIO-CLC; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO/CLC; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, filed petitions requesting the investigation.