The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
The enforcement of trade agreements is vital to the success of large U.S. exporters, as well as hundreds of firms of every size throughout the global supply chain
Last Friday, President Obama traveled to the Boeing aerospace factory in Everett, Washington. He met with workers and discussed his blueprint for an economy built to last with the renewed strength of American manufacturing. Part of the President’s message will focus on the Administration’s commitment to strong enforcement of U.S. trade agreements. The enforcement of trade agreements is vital to the success of large U.S. exporters like Boeing, as well as hundreds of firms of every size throughout Boeing’s global supply chain.
Here in the United States, from Washington to Kansas to South Carolina, tens of thousands of Americans depend on Boeing and its suppliers for a job and a place to put their skills to work. Trade agreements that guarantee a level playing field for global competition help make it possible for Boeing to sell its airplanes around the world in support of jobs here at home.
Boeing, like other American companies, knows from experience the importance of strong trade enforcement. For many years, the EU and its various member states provided Airbus, Boeing’s main global competitor, with more than $18 billion in subsidies. As a result, Boeing has been competing on an un-level playing field – losing market share and possible job-creating opportunities.
Fortunately, last year the Obama Administration secured a victory against EU subsidies to Airbus. It was the largest verdict in the history of the World Trade Organization. USTR is currently working to ensure that the EU implements the necessary changes and stops the illegal subsidies. Once implemented, this decision will lead to a more level playing field for Boeing and its many suppliers across America who support well-paying jobs for tens of thousands of hard-working Americans.
Moving forward, Americans can be assured that the Obama Administration will keep standing up for U.S. businesses and workers with smart trade enforcement. It’s our job to help protect yours. We’ve got a smart, strong, and dedicated team who work every day to make sure that countries are playing fairly, according to global trade rules. Because, as the President proudly said in his State of the Union address this year: “…American workers are the most productive on Earth, and ... if the playing field is level – America will always win.”
Watch the President's Remarks at Boeing:
