Smith Statement on WTO Appellate Body Report
March 12, 2012
“I was happy to hear that the World Trade Organization appellate ruling confirmed what we in the Northwest have known: that the allegations against the United States of subsidizing the aircraft industry in our nation and in Washington State were largely unfounded. It also confirms that despite an unlevel playing field where Airbus has received significant subsidies from the European Union, Boeing has remained internationally competitive and our aerospace workers continue to produce at the highest quality products in the industry.
“The ruling that many of our nation’s federal, state, and local governments’ efforts did not conflict with WTO policy is a victory for workers in Washington State and for the American aerospace industry. I will continue working with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to make sure we respond appropriately to the Appellate Body’s report and ensure a fair deal for American workers and businesses.”