President Trump signed two executive orders Friday aimed at cracking down on foreign competitors’ unfair trade practices, and pledged that his actions are setting the stage for a “great revival” of American manufacturing.
“From now on, those who break the rules will face the consequences,” Mr. Trump said as he signed the documents at the White House. “Under my administration, the theft of American prosperity will end.”
The first executive order aims to ensure that duties are fully collected when imposed on foreign importers who cheat.
“They are cheaters,” the president said forcefully.
The second order directs Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and the U.S. Trade Representative to compile a report within 90 days to identify a broad range of trade abuses, country by country and product by product.
Mr. Trump referred to his campaign stops in cities and towns across America that he said had been “devastated by unfair trade policies.” He recalled seeing “shuttered factories” and spending time with laid-off factory workers.
