Central Wisconsin News

Wisconsin Representative Tom Tiffany said the World Trade Organization (WTO) is allegedly "overlooking China’s unfair trade practices," which he claims have negatively impacted U.S. farmers and manufacturers while undermining "national sovereignty." Tiffany made these remarks in an April 10 press release.

"The WTO has repeatedly overlooked China's unfair trade practices and human rights abuses, undermined American farmers and manufacturers, and eroded our national sovereignty," said Rep. Tom Tiffany.

According to a press release, Tiffany introduced a joint resolution advocating for the United States' withdrawal from the WTO. Under U.S. law, the Trade Representative is required to submit an annual report on the WTO’s impact, providing Congress with an opportunity every five years to propose a withdrawal resolution. Similar resolutions were debated in 2000 and 2005, but none were introduced in 2010 or 2015. In 2020, Representative Peter DeFazio and Senator Josh Hawley put forward withdrawal proposals, but neither advanced.

The resolution highlights concerns about China’s actions since joining the WTO in 2001, including allegations of "intellectual property theft" and exporting "heavily subsidized" products while maintaining trade barriers. The press release also notes that the WTO has failed to address these issues. In response, the United States suspended payments to the WTO last month. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett pointed out that since China’s entry into the WTO, "real incomes declined by about $1,200 cumulatively."

Tiffany said that "American trade policies should be made by American officials who are elected by American voters and accountable to American workers, not dictated by unelected international bureaucrats in Geneva." He further expressed that it is time to pursue a trade approach prioritizing American industry, jobs, and economic independence. "It has been two decades since Congress last voted on whether to continue our membership in this deeply flawed organization," he said. "The American people deserve to know if their elected officials stand with them or with China’s allies in the WTO."

Tiffany represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District and was elected in May 2020 during a special election. He grew up on a dairy farm near Elmwood, Wisconsin, and holds a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Before serving in Congress, Tiffany was part of the Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate where he focused on tax reduction, job creation, and protecting Second Amendment rights.