‘Buy American' Economic Stimulus Package Sparks Concern
Marissa Brassfield — January 29, 2009 — Business
References: news.yahoo
President Obama’s $819 billion economic stimulus package passed through the House of Representatives easily yesterday, despite receiving zero votes from any member of the Republican Party. Part of the plan, which is officially known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, contains a “Buy American” provision that, according to Yahoo, generally prohibits the purchase of foreign iron and steel for any infrastructure project mentioned in the bill.
This bold move outlined within Obama’s economic stimulus package has understandably sparked some controversy within Europe and Canada--two major trading partners with the United States.
In the EU, trade commissioner Catherine Ashton preferred to wait to read the final economic stimulus package before making a statement, but her spokesman Peter Power said, “...if a bill is passed which prohibits the sale or purchase of European goods on American territory, that is something we will not stand idly by and ignore.”
In Canada, tensions were similarly high. “We’re always concerned when there are protectionist pressures in the United States,” Industry Minister Tony Clement told public broadcaster CBC, according to Yahoo.
This bold move outlined within Obama’s economic stimulus package has understandably sparked some controversy within Europe and Canada--two major trading partners with the United States.
In the EU, trade commissioner Catherine Ashton preferred to wait to read the final economic stimulus package before making a statement, but her spokesman Peter Power said, “...if a bill is passed which prohibits the sale or purchase of European goods on American territory, that is something we will not stand idly by and ignore.”
In Canada, tensions were similarly high. “We’re always concerned when there are protectionist pressures in the United States,” Industry Minister Tony Clement told public broadcaster CBC, according to Yahoo.
Trend Themes
1. Protectionist Policies - The 'Buy American' provision in the economic stimulus package sparks controversy and highlights the trend of protectionist policies.
2. International Trade Relations - The tensions between the US, Europe, and Canada over the economic stimulus package underscore the trend of strained international trade relations.
3. Government Spending - President Obama's economic stimulus package fuels the trend of increased government spending to stimulate the economy.
Industry Implications
1. Steel & Iron Industry - The 'Buy American' provision presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the domestic steel and iron industry, as it aims to boost demand for their products.
2. International Trade & Commerce - The controversy surrounding the economic stimulus package highlights the need for innovative solutions in the international trade and commerce industry to mitigate protectionist measures.
3. Infrastructure Development - The inclusion of the 'Buy American' provision in the economic stimulus package creates disruptive innovation opportunities for companies involved in infrastructure development, as they need to adapt to new sourcing requirements.
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