WASHINGTON — The United States’ largest trading partners are warning that protectionist moves by Congress could poison global trade relations, despite President Barack Obama’s assurances that he wants to keep U.S. markets open.
Businesses in the European Union and Canada complain they have been shut out of U.S. markets because of the “Buy American” provision in the massive stimulus bill passed in February, which requires the use of U.S.-manufactured products.
Congress is considering adding similar measures to other spending bills. Buy American supporters want to make sure that the billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars being spent to revive the economy create jobs at home. The U.S. unemployment rate is the highest in 25 years.
Many U.S. exporters fear that the provisions will backfire, costing American jobs as other countries retaliate. Some municipalities in Canada have begun organizing boycotts of U.S. products, and EU and Canadian officials say they are reviewing their options. The Associated Press
