Article By: Rick Walker, Vice President, TradeInsights, LCB/CCS

The USTR (United States Trade Representative) announced yesterday that they are initiating an investigation into the practices of China, targeting the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, at the request of the White House.

Ambassador Katherine Tai has pledged a full and thorough investigation into concerns of five labor unions, the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO CLC (“USW”), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (“IAM”), the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO/CLC (“IBB”), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“IBEW”), and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (“MTD”) The USTR is seeking public comments and will be holding a public hearing in relation to the investigation.

The USTR announcement can be accessed here.

The White House announcement can be accessed here.

Please contact your V. Alexander account team, or you may also contact our Trade Compliance team at tradeinsights@valexander.com with any questions.