:: rawblogXport ::

:: Saturday, September 11, 2004 ::

U.S. ITC Compliance With NAFTA Directive Applauded; American Consumers for Affordable Homes, PR Newswire
Trade Representative Urged Not to Continue Punitive Duties

'This is an important victory,' said Susan Petniunas, ACAH spokesperson. 'Consumers have been punished too long already. While it is widely expected that the United States Trade Representative may pursue an extraordinary challenge once the Panel ruling is final in late October, consumers urge the USTR not to do so, and to end putting onerous taxes forced upon their backs.'

Petniunas added that a review of the ITC record will find that, contrary to their press release, there is no evidence to show that a threat existed to domestic producers. 'There actually is strong, substantive evidence on the record that Canadian softwood imports do not compete head-to-head with U.S. softwood production. Canadian softwood complements U.S. production and is necessary to ensure U.S. demand is satisfied.' Petniunas added. 'There is significant evidence on the record that Canadian softwood was not competing with or threatening U.S. production and that evidence was not given thoughtful consideration by the ITC.'

To support the consumer position that the U.S. should not pursue a challenge, Petniunas pointed out that the panel has been unanimous three times in its remand to the ITC, and that the panel is composed of three members from the U.S. and two from Canada. All five were appointed by agreement of the U.S. and Canadian governments.

posted 8:21 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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