FINDLAY, OH – Nearly one year after a decision by President Obama to crack down on cheap Chinese tire imports that undermine domestic tire manufacturers, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today visited United Steelworkers Local 207L. Members of the union, which petitioned the International Trade Commission for relief from the dumping of Chinese tires, work at Cooper Tire & Rubber in Findlay.

“Almost a year ago today, President Obama stood up for workers by acknowledging that cheap Chinese tires dumped into our markets were undermining American manufacturing. Today, we celebrate this victory but remain steadfast in the need to enforce trade laws. Trade deals that encourage a race to the bottom place Ohio and the rest of our nation in a dangerous position in the global marketplace,” said Brown. “Simply put, U.S. trade policy should contribute to U.S. prosperity rather than jeopardize it. Stronger trade enforcement is essential to saving Ohio jobs. This isn’t protectionism, it’s common sense.”

From 2004 through 2008, Chinese tire imports had a drastic impact on domestic tire producers, leading to the loss of more than 5,100 industry jobs nationally during this period, with four facilities closed and capacity reduced in others. On September 11, 2009, President Obama—following a recommendation from the U.S. International Trade Commission—would enforce "Section 421" trade safeguards that protect American manufacturers from excessive imports.

In recent months, Cooper Tire & Rubber has been able to expand its production by as much as 20 percent in Findlay. In addition, China's exports to the United States have decreased significantly since the safeguard went into effect.

In June 2009, Brown testified before the International Trade Commission in support of workers in Findlay and Leavittsburg.

Brown’s visit to Findlay is part of his “Made in Ohio Tour,” which kicked off earlier this month. With the top priority of creating Ohio jobs, Brown is fighting for a multi-pronged effort to promote economic development – from working to position Ohio as the Silicon Valley of Clean Energy Manufacturing, to establishing the state as a hub for high-growth industries.

The key components of Senator Brown’s jobs strategy are:

  • Promoting the expansion of Ohio businesses by strengthening small business lending programs and aiding President Obama’s goal to significantly boost U.S. exports.
  • Transitioning away from our dependence on foreign oil to a clean energy future in which jobs are centered in the small businesses, manufacturing facilities, and universities of Ohio.
  • Developing Ohio’s workforce so that Ohioans are prepared to fill the jobs of the 21st century and revitalizing the state’s infrastructure to attract those global industries.
  • Making sure that Ohio industry isn’t undermined due to unfair trade by pursuing remedies to counteract China’s currency manipulation and subsidization of domestic industries.

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