On behalf of SIGNAL Group’s Client, Century Aluminum, United States Trade Representative Michael Froman announced today the launch of an unprecedented trade enforcement complaint to the World Trade Organization against China’s illegal aluminum subsidies. The historic case seeks to challenge China’s violation of international trade rules, which have caused injury to the U.S. aluminum industry and resulted in thousands of Americans losing their jobs.

“Artificially cheap loans from banks and low-priced inputs for Chinese aluminum are contributing to excess capacity and undercutting American workers and businesses,” Ambassador Froman said in a news release. “Today’s action follows significant engagement by this Administration on excess capacity and demonstrates our commitment to hold China to its trade obligations.”

The complaint requests that China reduce its excess capacity of primary aluminum—made possible by China’s centrally planned economy—to create fair market conditions for the international aluminum industry. The WTO will review the case before a final determination is made.

“We are honored to have been a part of driving this landmark case forward,” said SIGNAL Group Managing Director Eric Bovim. “SIGNAL Group is delighted by today’s historic WTO filing for our client and we look forward to achieving more winning results for our clients in 2017.”

Over the past year, SIGNAL Group has worked in collaboration with its parent company Wiley Rein, LLC to move this case forward. The SIGNAL team includes Eric Bovim, Managing Director of Strategic Communications; Senior Manager Mark Duffy; and Senior Associate Hannah Kerne and a whole host of other award-winning PR professionals. The Wiley Rein team includes Alan H. Price, partner and chair of the International Trade Practice; partner Robert E. DeFrancesco III; and a team of top legal experts.

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