Representative Ryan Weldon of Iowa has expressed support for Congressman Zach Nunn's Neutralizing Unfair Chinese Subsidies Act, which aims to create a more level playing field between American and Chinese companies. Weldon conveyed his views in an opinion piece.
"The Chinese employ a litany of unfair trade practices that add up to give them enormous advantages that undercut manufacturers and farmers here in Iowa and across the country," said Weldon, State Representative. "These advantages reduce production costs for Chinese companies, making their goods cheaper, but at a significant environmental cost that American companies must bear due to stricter regulations. We need a policy response that balances the scales. Rep. Zach Nunn recently announced a new bill that aims to do just that."
According to a press release, Representative Nunn introduced the Neutralizing Unfair Chinese Subsidies Act in July. The bill seeks to enhance American competitiveness and hold China accountable for its violations of global trade standards. It proposes that the U.S. Treasury Secretary develop a strategy to ensure China's compliance with international export credit standards while negotiating reductions in global export subsidies. "China is flooding markets with unfair subsidies, which undercut American companies and saddle developing countries with unsustainable debt," Nunn said. "This bill is about holding China accountable and leveling the playing field."
Weldon described Nunn's bill as "a solid first step" towards achieving a reciprocal trade relationship with China but noted there are additional measures that could further benefit American companies and workers. He suggested that the U.S. could impose tariffs targeting "hidden advantages" that support Chinese companies, such as China's lack of environmental standards.
Weldon represents Iowa's 41st district in the state legislature, as noted on the legislature's website. He serves on the state's Economic Growth and Technology Committee and is vice chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Development Appropriations.
