EC Georgia News

Last week, the Department of Commerce announced a preliminary finding that China's government unfairly subsidizes its low-speed personal transportation vehicle (LSPTV) industry. This includes vehicles such as golf carts, Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs), and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs).

The announcement followed a bipartisan, bicameral letter led by Congressman Rick W. Allen to Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. The letter urged the department to support U.S. manufacturers and workers in the LSPTV industry by addressing unfair trade practices.

"Last week's announcement from the Commerce Department is a win for American manufacturers and workers and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate discriminatory trade practices that harm U.S. producers. I am pleased that Secretary Raimondo heeded our letter and took decisive action to hold China accountable. The LSPTV industry is an important economic driver in the 12th District and we must take every necessary step to ensure a level playing field," said Congressman Rick Allen.

Mark Wagner, Club Car President & CEO, expressed support for the decision: "We’re glad to see the U.S. Department of Commerce take a stand for American manufacturers and workers. The decision today is a first step in the right direction to restore a fair marketplace for the American LSPTV industry and to help us and our hardworking employees recover from the unfair trade practices of the state-backed Chinese producers."

Rob Scholl, Textron Specialized Vehicles President & CEO, also commented on the matter: "We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Commerce has recognized and taken decisive action against the unfair trade practices of the state-supported Chinese LSPTV industry. Today’s determination will help to create a free and fair market for all PTV manufacturers and protect the U.S. industry and its employees from the unfair advantages that state-subsidized Chinese companies enjoy."

The determination by the U.S. Department of Commerce establishes preliminary duty rates in this investigation's subsidies portion. Following publication in the Federal Register, Customs will begin suspending liquidation and collecting preliminary duties on entries of LSPTVs from China.