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DeLauro and Schakowsky Lead House Democrats in Urging Incoming Administration to Address Russia Trade Violations

January 18, 2017

WASHINGTON, DC (January 18, 2017) Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) led 22 House Democrats in writing to President-elect Trump regarding the critical issue of trade enforcement, an issue that he raised repeatedly during the campaign. In the letter, the Members asked Mr. Trump to devote more attention to unfair trade practices by Russia, which have been extremely detrimental to advancing the United States' economic interests.

"While trade with China has rightfully been the focus of your public comments, our trade relationship with Russia also demands attention. Today, our exports to Russia are roughly half of what they were in 2012, the year that Russia became a member of the WTO. Sanctions have certainly altered the balance of trade, but the trade deficit this year with Russia will cost more than 40,000 American workers their jobs," wrote the Members. "We urge you to direct your incoming personnel to focus on eliminating Russian predatory and protectionist policies. At this critical time, every job is worth fighting for."

"Trade is an area where strong, bipartisan cooperation can yield enormous benefits to America's farmers, workers and businesses," the Members concluded. "We look forward to working with you on these critical issues."

Specifically, the Members highlighted the following areas as some of the most important trade practices that must be addressed:

  • Russia is blocking more than half of U.S. agricultural products through retaliatory import bans;
  • Russia maintains import substitution policies to discourage imports of U.S. manufactured goods, including autos, heavy machinery, and metal products;
  • Russia is home to some of the worst violators of intellectual property rights and is decreasing enforcement of IPR even as a wide range counterfeit goods continue to be manufactured, transshipped and sold in Russia—everything from seeds to electronics, to information technology, auto parts, and consumer goods; and
  • Russia lavishes subsidies on a range of industries, including the autos and titanium industries, which keep American workers from competing on a level playing field.

The full letter is available here.