Cord Byrd: “this amendment seeks to improve the certainty of the implementation of import relief in cases of affirmative…”

“this amendment seeks to improve the certainty of the implementation of import relief in cases of affirmative determinations by the International Trade Commission with respect to market disruption to domestic producers of like or directly competitive products. The amendment is simple and straightforward and it may be vital to many U.S. industries, such as steel, footwear, and apples. It certainly causes no harm. U.S. trade law provides for import relief authorities under sections 201, 202, 203, and 204 of the Trade Act of 1974, and relief from market disruption by imports from Communist countries, such as China, under section 406 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. These safeguard actions are intended to provide temporary import relief from serious injury to domestic producers. These provisions are essential in order to provide U.S. manufacturers or farmers with an opportunity to address sudden waves of imports--such as those brought on by economic crises in foreign markets, and under other unexpected conditions beyond domestic control. Regrettably, however, the import relief procedures are widely recognized as overly complicated and generally ineffective.”