EU attacks ‘Buy American’ clause - “Worst possible signal the Obama administration could send out.”
Ruh-roh…
snip…
“The EU has increased its pressure on the US to reconsider the “Buy American” clause in the $800bn (567bn) economic recovery package now before Congress.
The clause seeks to ensure that only US iron, steel and manufactured goods are used in projects funded by the bill.
A European Commission spokesman said it was the “worst possible signal” the Obama administration could send out.
The EU will launch a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) if the clause remains, the spokesman said.
The EU and Canadian ambassadors to Washington have already warned that the clause could promote protectionism and trigger retaliatory moves.
The rescue plan has already been approved by the US House of Representatives and is under discussion in the Senate this week. “