Hoffa: China Needs To Make Real Changes To Fix Trade Inequities With U.S.

Administration Decision to Pause Tariff Hikes Should Lead to Structural Reforms

News provided by

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Dec 04, 2018, 11:17 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa about the agreement reached this week between the U.S. and China to put additional tariffs on hold while negotiating a solution to the ongoing trade imbalance between the two nations.

"The Teamsters commend the Administration for reaching an agreement with China that calls a truce to escalating tariffs placed on select imports by both nations, and is optimistic that the 90-day cooling off period will lead to trade progress between the two countries. Credit is also due specifically to U.S Trade Administrator Robert Lighthizer and his staff who have been doing the complicated work of balancing various trade matters.

"However, America must demand results, not just rhetoric. The U.S. needs a clear vision and must enter this process with open eyes on China revamping its trade practices. There is an urgent need for structural reform if a solution is ultimately going to be reached.

"The U.S. endured a $375 billion trade deficit with China last year. Therefore, this nation cannot naively hope that progress will just happen. The USTR must stand up to China and its threats on trade. The whole world is watching."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters