The United States has intensified efforts to counter China’s trade practices, with Republican lawmakers like Congressman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) accusing China of being the “worst abuser” of trade agreements for decades. Steil, a vocal advocate for stricter trade enforcement, argues that China’s systemic exploitation of trade rules has harmed American workers and industries, necessitating robust measures like tariffs to force fairer practices. This aligns with former President Donald Trump’s approach, which prioritized tariffs and bilateral negotiations to pressure China into compliance.
– : The Trump administration imposed tariffs on billions of Chinese goods, targeting intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers. Steil supports this strategy, emphasizing that tariffs compel China to negotiate and deter further abuses. Recent discussions highlight ongoing talks with allies like Japan and Australia to coordinate trade policies against China.
– : The Biden administration expanded sanctions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, banning imports from Chinese steel and artificial sweetener companies tied to Xinjiang forced labor. These measures aim to eliminate exploitative practices from U.S. supply chains, though China denies the allegations.
– : The Department of Justice has ramped up False Claims Act (FCA) cases against importers evading tariffs, recovering millions in penalties for customs fraud. Notable settlements include $45 million from an importer mislabeling Chinese goods to avoid duties.
While Steil and Trump allies argue tariffs are essential to level the playing field, critics warn that unilateral measures risk economic fallout and undermine multilateral frameworks like the WTO. The U.S. has historically utilized WTO disputes to address Chinese intellectual property violations, but progress has been slow. Steil contends that combining tariffs with allied pressure offers the best path to hold China accountable.
China’s trade practices remain a focal point in U.S. politics, with bipartisan support for tougher enforcement but divergence on methods. Steil’s stance reflects a broader conservative push to prioritize American economic interests through aggressive trade tactics, even as global supply chains face disruptions. The ongoing tension underscores the challenge of balancing fair trade with economic interdependence.
