Trump Threatens to Leave World Trade Organization

The New American ^ | 02 August 2016 | Steve Byas

[VitacoreVision]

Donald Trump has now questioned American membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Critics say he is "insane," but are we "insane" to remain in the WTO? by Steve Byas

[VitacoreVision]

Trump may be forced to leave the WTO.

January 25, 2017:

You know, Trump also just made the Keystone XL way more expensive (and illegal) to build
http://www.sfgate.com/technology/businessinsider/article/You-know-Trump-also-just-made-the-Keystone-XL-10884014.php

---

First, let’s clarify that memorandum are not executive orders. They do not mean things happen at the snap of a finger. They are more of a presidential pat on the bum to get things going – and going the president’s way – if they’re going to get done at all.

Trump’s way, as Reuters’ John Kemp put it, is a violation of about 70 years of international trade law. His second memorandum requires the Keystone pipeline to be built with US steel. Wilbur Ross, the Secretary of Commerce, must submit a plan in 180 days “under which all new pipelines, as well as retrofitted, repaired, or expanded pipelines, inside the borders of the United States ... use materials and equipment produced in the United States.”
...
That’s because this is the kind of action that gets you sued by the World Trade Organization. Member-nations (Like the United States) are supposed to allow companies to compete fairly on the price of goods. They’re not supposed to favor their domestic goods or materials over the goods or materials of other nations.

---

[Alberta's Child]

I’m glad Trump has signaled his administration’s approval of these pipelines, but the “American steel only” mandate is idiotic. The only authority the government has in this regard is to demand American-made products, equipment and raw materials for projects that are built with taxpayer funds.

[Sacajaweau]

Companies to compete fairly?? That's about as broad as you can get.

So you have to use "steel dumping" companies?? And or inferior products?

OR must use foreign products?? BS

[Red Badger]

Looks like Bruce Springsteen was wrong................

[Sacajaweau]

WTO aka EU

We are a sovereign country. Agreements are made in good faith. Therefore, WTO should not be necessary.

[VitacoreVision]

In this case we’re dealing with Canada, a foreign country, and multiple states. The Federal government can get involved and set terms.

The World Trade Organization has no authority over the U.S. Lets just end membership.

[Gaffer]

This country should be beholding to no other. Or any organization not controlled by our Constitution.

[Alberta's Child]

In this case we’re dealing with Canada, a foreign country, and multiple states. The Federal government can get involved and set terms.

Really? LOL. You find me one example in the history of the U.S. where the Federal government had the authority to dictate terms about materials sourcing for a project that was financed 100% with private capital.

Did the entire membership of DU end up joining FreeRepublic when I wasn't looking?

[Alberta's Child]

Can you think of any reason why a company investing $7 billion in a pipeline that will probably end up carrying hundreds of billions of dollars worth of product would use inferior materials in that pipeline?

[Sacajaweau]

My point exactly....

[skimbell]

"House Speaker Paul Ryan, the highest-ranking elected Republican in the country, defended the WTO..."

I think maybe these clowns might have missed a couple of things recently.

[nikos1121]

Why are you posting an old story? I don’t understand?

[HomerBohn]

Just do it, Mr. President.

[VitacoreVision]

Read the second Post. It’s relevant.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3517748/posts?page=2#2

[usurper]

They’re not supposed to favor their domestic goods or materials over the goods or materials of other nations.

Yes that's what got us in this mess in the first place. If an American company wanted to build a pipeline in Canada it would be completely reasonable for Canada to require that Canadian materials and labor be used as a condition for approval.

[trebb]

I’m glad Trump has signaled his administration’s approval of these pipelines, but the “American steel only” mandate is idiotic. The only authority the government has in this regard is to demand American-made products, equipment and raw materials for projects that are built with taxpayer funds.

Te American Government has the authority to do what's best for America - we've gotten so used to the One World meme that we tend to think it's OK for others to dictate terms to us.

If it's within our borders, it's under our authority - get used to it.

[Alberta's Child]

I never thought I'd see that kind of totalitarianism here on FreeRepublic.

You learn something new every day, I guess.

[Alberta's Child]

Only a government bureaucrat could come up with an idea that requires a single pipeline between two countries to meet two different sets of material specifications.

What's next -- a mandate for the new bridge between Detroit (Michigan) and Windsor (Ontario) that requires two different types of structural steel and concrete, two different sets of roadway design standards, and two different sets of traffic regulations?

[factoryrat]

In regards to the sourcing of steel pipe used for this pipeline, who supplied the pipe for the portions of the keystone that have already been installed? Was it US or foreign sourced?

More importantly, did the pipe used meet US engineering and safety standards? This is a critical infrastructure application, and few manufacturers in the world can even meet the specifications, let alone pass testing.

If you want to go low foreign bidder to save a buck, or push your import business, that’s fine and all, but with the first major failure, you and your interests will be held criminally liable.