Washington, DC - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant issued the following statement on the announcement by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative that it was filing a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute against China challenging its export duties on nine classes of raw materials:

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is troubled by China’s continued use of measures that appear designed to make raw materials more expensive for U.S. companies in a number of critical industries, thus putting them at a disadvantage to Chinese manufacturers, including in aviation, electronics, and cosmetics.

“As a member of the WTO, China has undertaken commitments to refrain from imposing these export duties, which discriminate against other members. At a time when trade protectionism is on the rise worldwide and trade is declining, all WTO members should renew their commitment to avoid export restraints.

“Accordingly, the U.S. Chamber supports this action by the administration and will continue to support efforts by the U.S. government to enforce trade agreements and ensure a level playing field for American companies and workers.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 70 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.