WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today issued the following statement after early reports indicated that Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiators had agreed to a 45% rule of origin on auto parts.

“When President Obama committed to renegotiating NAFTA, I never imagined he would negotiate a trade agreement that is worse for American workers. Despite the success of the auto rescue, TPP would be devastating to the auto supply chain by reducing the NAFTA standard for rule of origin for autos and auto parts. This would result in a flood of unfair imports, would offshore jobs, and would hurt American workers and manufacturers. I strongly oppose this provision and will work to defeat TPP if it remains in the final agreement.” 

Brown wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman last month urging him to ensure that TPP provides a level playing field for U.S. automobile manufacturers and workers. Brown also wrote to Froman in December 2014 highlighting the impact of TPP on the auto industry and outlining similar concerns over tariffs country of origin labeling, and currency. 

 

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