Ceres comment letter on U.S. trade investigation highlights business support for boosting clean domestic manufacturing

WASHINGTON D.C. — Ceres submitted a public comment letter this week supporting the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) investigation of excess capacity and production in manufacturing. 

As part of its probe, USTR is examining how lax environmental protections abroad lead to challenges for cleaner manufacturing in the U.S., an increasingly bipartisan policy conversation. Addressing that issue in trade policy could help clean domestic manufacturers maintain their competitive edge against polluting industry from China, India, and other countries, particularly as Europe implements a carbon border adjustment mechanism. 

Ceres’ comment letter reflects insights from American heavy manufacturers and companies across the economy that are by expanding cleaner and more sustainable operations in the U.S., and seeking cleaner, domestically produced inputs.  

“America has world-leading environmental standards. The right trade policy can turn that into a competitive advantage for businesses across the economy,” said Zach Friedman, senior director of federal policy at Ceres. “We applaud USTR for examining lax environmental rules in countries like China and India as part of its investigation. U.S. manufacturing companies are leading the world in reducing pollution, and we shouldn’t let heavy polluters enter our markets for free at the expensive of clean, homegrown American products.” 

Key quotes from Ceres’ comment letter: 

American manufacturing is among the cleanest in the world 

“Manufacturers in the U.S. need a level global playing field to increase their domestic production while retaining our leading global position in clean and responsible production.” 

Inadequate environmental rules in other countries give foreign competitors an unfair advantage 

“These policies can enable producers to externalize environmental costs, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and ecosystem degradation, thereby creating an artificial competitive advantage in international markets and helping businesses to survive that would otherwise be uncompetitive.” 

Section 301 is an important opportunity, but other tools are necessary  

“While enforcement tools such as Section 301 present an opportunity to level the playing field, complementary efforts through bilateral and multilateral engagement can promote higher environmental standards across the world.” 

Read the full public comment letter here. 

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About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.