U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) has introduced legislation he indicated addresses unfair trade practices initiated by China and other bad actors by amending the Tariff Act of 1930.
Bill proponents noted that The Fighting Trade Cheats Act (H.R. 2667) would increase civil penalties for and improve enforcement regarding customs fraud. Specifically, the legislation targets companies dumping foreign-made goods in domestic markets, allowing U.S. manufacturers to sue foreign producers for customs fraud.
“The Chinese Communist Party has a long history of violating our trade agreements and stealing our jobs,” Bost said. “We are sharpening the teeth of America’s trade remedy laws and ensuring our manufacturers have the tools to fight back directly against trade cheats. This is America First legislation that puts foreign fraudsters on notice that there will be serious consequences for breaking our trade laws and hurting American workers.”
Bill provisions include doubling present penalties and a new five-year prohibition on importing products from known violators.
McWane, Inc. Legal and External Affairs & General Counsel Senior Vice President James Proctor II said trade cheaters cost American jobs.
McWane, Inc.’s Manchester Tank subsidiary includes a company with a facility producing propane tanks and cylinders in Quincy, Ill.
“This bill will give Customs and Border Protection and businesses the tools they need to stop the lawless foreign importers from evading U.S. laws and destroying American industries and communities,” Proctor said. “We thank Congressman Bost for standing up for American workers and businesses and helping put a stop to such illegal activity.”