President Obama will announce that his administration is cracking down on China’s practice of subsidizing auto parts made for export with a new case they are taking to the World Trade Organization while campaigning in Ohio, Monday, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The administration says China’s practices hurt states like Ohio which count on the auto industry for jobs. The administration will also ask the WTO to move forward with a review of a separate case in which the U.S. alleged that China is placing unfair duties on cars imported from the United States.
The auto industry rescue is a prominent feature of Obama’s campaign, particularly in states like Ohio. According to the White House, 475,000 Americans — including 54,200 Ohioans — work for the auto parts industry.
This latest crack down on China comes on the same day that the Romney campaign has released a new ad promising to “make trade work for America” and promising to “crack down on China” and “open up new markets.” On the stump, Romney and running mate Paul Ryan regularly attack Obama for being weak on China.
