Report: Trump planning executive action on 'unfair' product dumping

By Olivia Beavers - 04/09/17 05:55 PM EDT

Report: Trump planning executive action on 'unfair' product dumping
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The Trump administration is drafting a possible executive order that would call for investigations into foreign companies for “unfair” product dumping, and could also lead to tariffs on a broad range of products, according to a Sunday Axios report.

The New York Times reported last week that the White House may implement a new measure focusing on anti-steel dumping. Axios reports that White House could be casting a wider net, including taking aim at steel and aluminum and household appliances.

The plans are reportedly still in the works and the White House is trying to decide how aggressive to be with the order. Some Trump officials, according to Axios, predict that investigations could trigger new import duties.

Trump has frequently pledged to put policies in place that would encourage companies to hire American workers and use American products. But business groups worry that such penalties could hurt companies that rely on cheaper imports and raise prices for consumers.

This measure would work toward Trump’s campaign promise to keep and protect American jobs while combatting unfair trade agreements, a White House official told Axios.

"The administration will use the results of that investigation to determine the best path forward, which could potentially include everything from no action at all to the levying of supplemental duties," the White House official said. "But whichever action we take will be informed by the results of the investigation and not by predetermined conclusions."

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is reportedly leading the efforts on this order.

Axios reports that April is a loose roll-out date, but it could come much later.

"Trade negotiations and discussions should happen in the board room, not in the press room,” a spokesman for Ross told the news outlet.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefi...unfair-product