Trade Deficit
When Congressman Brown was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, the US trade deficit was $39 billion. But because Congress and the White House have adopted a series of trade policies giving China and other trading partners unfair advantage, our trade deficit had exploded to more than $716 billion by last year — a 1,700% increase.
Congressman Brown has consistently opposed reckless trade agreements that rig the game in favor of foreign competitors, by failing to hold trading partners to responsible labor and environmental standards. The North American Free Trade Agreement has cost Ohio tens of thousands of jobs, and similar acts like the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) bring new threats to Ohio's economy.
Congressman Brown also opposed Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR or "Most-Favored Nation" status) with China. PNTR undermined our ability to hold China accountable for abusive policies like currency manipulation and wage suppression, which give Chinese companies unfair advantage over Ohio manufacturers. And Congressman Brown has pushed the Bush Administration to enforce trade laws when China breaks the rules, to level the playing field for American companies and American workers.
Because the White House and Congress have failed to act, our trade deficit with China topped $200 billion last year — a 1,000% increase since 1992.
Congressman Brown will continue to push for trad policies that give American workers, companies and farmers a fair chance to compete in the global marketplace.
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