Obama Cites Rare Earth WTO Action As Step To Protect Jobs, Energy Future

摘要

President Obama yesterday (March 13) touted the decision of the United States, European Union and Japan to seek formal consultations in the World Trade Organization on Chinese export restrictions on exports of rare earths, tungsten and molybdenum in a high-profile Rose Garden appearance. He said it was evidence of his administration's determination to make sure "the playing field is level" for U.S. workers and businesses in the international economic competition, and a step to secure America's energy future. The materials on which China imposes export restrictions serve as critical inputs to key industries the administration wants to maintain in the U.S., such as the production of advanced batteries and hybrid cards, he said. "We've got to take control of our energy future, and we can't let that energy industry take root in some other country because they were allowed to break the rules," he said. "So our administration will bring this case against China today, and we will keep working every single day to give American workers and American businesses a fair shot in the global economy."