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AAM President on Trade Policy: Don't Let the President's Tweets Fool You

Scott Paul says, "It is time for the administration to move from tweets to action."

In this Saturday, July 8, 2017, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrive for a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.
In this Saturday, July 8, 2017, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrive for a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.
Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP, File

The manufacturing sector gained 16,000 jobs in July. Durable goods accounted for 13,000 manufacturing jobs amid hopes for action on the 232 steel and aluminum trade investigations.

Meanwhile, the goods deficit with China expanded to $31.3 billion, according to the Commerce Department

In a statement released by the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) Friday, AAM President Scott Paul said: 

"Don't let the president's tweets fool you. Every chance the administration has had to make meaningful change on trade policy, they've kicked the can down the road.

"Just over one year ago, President-elect Trump promised to get tough on China's trade cheating by stopping Beijing's intellectual property theft, massive overcapacity, and currency manipulation. Now as president, Trump is currently zero for three on these issues. 

"The administration has delayed a Section 301 investigation into China's intellectual property theft and has pushed off the investigation into China's steel and aluminum overcapacity. Meanwhile, steel imports have risen 18 percent since April and any hope of finally labeling China a currency manipulator has fizzled.

"It is time for the administration to move from tweets to action. Job growth won't be sustainable without smart policy that cracks down on China's trade cheating, invests in infrastructure, and ensures a tax policy that boosts exports." 

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