WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Committee to Support U.S. Trade Laws (CSUSTL) today expressed its gratitude to President Obama and United States Trade Representative Ambassador Kirk for their decision Friday to enforce U.S. trade laws.

Previously, the independent and bipartisan International Trade Commission, regarding a complaint filed by the United Steelworkers Union, found that imports of passenger and light truck tires from China have increased rapidly, thus causing injury to the domestic industry. The Commission recommended specific tariff relief for three years to remedy that injury. President Obama's determination was the last step in the evaluative process before domestic relief in the form of tariffs could be realized.

"The Section 421 safeguard measures are a legitimate remedy for domestic industries injured from surges of Chinese imports. The Chinese government agreed to the 421 provision when it joined the WTO, yet now criticizes its application. With this decision, Mr. Obama clearly upheld the rule of law and is to be applauded," said David A. Hartquist, Executive Director of CSUSTL.

The Committee to Support U.S. Trade Laws is an organization of companies, trade associations, labor unions, workers, and individuals committed to preserving and enhancing U.S. trade laws. CSUSTL's members span all sectors, including manufacturing, technology, agriculture, mining and energy, and services. CSUSTL is dedicated to ensuring that the unfair trade laws are not weakened through legislation or policy decisions in Washington, D.C., in international negotiations, or through dispute settlements at the World Trade Organization and elsewhere.

SOURCE Committee to Support U.S. Trade Laws