Today, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, applauded the administration’s action to challenge the Chinese government on an unfair tax advantage that it provides to some of its domestic aviation manufacturers. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it will bring a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) because of a 17 percent tax the Chinese government imposes on small and medium-sized imported aircraft.

“USTR’s decision to bring this case sends a strong and important message that the U.S. will not tolerate activities that put our workers and the businesses that employ them at an unfair disadvantage. Leveling the playing field is exactly why we have the World Trade Organization and rules of the road for international trade.

“Small and medium-sized airplane manufacturing is a job-creating industry for the U.S. General aviation manufacturing supports 102,600 jobs in the U.S. and contributes $14 billion to our economy each year. Washington state is home to hundreds of aviation manufacturing suppliers, who make and sell parts to general aviation and regional jet manufacturers. These jobs suffer when countries like China subsidize their own products.

“I am pleased to see USTR holding the Chinese government accountable, and I hope to see more cases like this to make sure our workers get a fair shot,” Larsen said.

Larsen gave remarks at a press conference this morning. Watch his full remarks here.

More information about the case USTR is bringing is available here.

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