Hatch Statement on 232 Investigation into Auto Imports

Utah Senator Says, “Instead of taking from the pocketbooks of hardworking Americans, I urge the administration to remain focused on addressing China’s trade practices.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Commerce launched a Section 232 investigation into imports of automobiles, trucks and automotive parts: 

“Commerce’s 232 investigation into the national security implications of trade in automobiles, trucks and auto parts is deeply misguided. For most Americans, cars are the second largest purchase they make, after their homes. Taxing cars, trucks and auto parts coming into the country would directly hit American families who need a dependable vehicle, whether they choose a domestic or a global brand. Instead of taking from the pocketbooks of hardworking Americans, I urge the administration to remain focused on addressing China’s trade practices and to work constructively with our trading partners to increase opportunities overseas for American businesses, farmers, ranchers and workers.”

Background: In March, Hatch expressed disappointment with the Trump administration’s announcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Last month, Hatch, along with Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) urged U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to implement improvements to the Commerce Department’s process for excluding products from tariffs on steel and aluminum imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. 

A longtime advocate of establishing enforceable international rules for U.S. firms and workers doing business overseas, Hatch has fought to strengthen intellectual property rights (IPR) standards around the world. Hatch authored legislation to increase U.S. enforcement of American IPR overseas, including improvements to the Special 301 mechanism and the establishment of a Chief Intellectual Property Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Hatch also spearheaded efforts in Congress to enact bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to help open more markets for U.S. exports and strengthen IPR protections in U.S. trade agreements, and he led enactment of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.  

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