Dear Senator Collins:
On behalf of the 175 employees of Moosehead manufacturing Company, I would like to send my support of the legislation that you are introducing to ensure that countervailing duty laws (CVD) apply to imports from non-market economies including the Peoples Republic of China.

Our industry and company in particular have been seriously affected by the unfair trading practices from countries such as China where government subsidies such as currency manipulation have tilted the competitive playing field to such an extent that U.S. companies cannot compete. Our company has reduced its employment level from a high several years ago of 250 to the present 170 workers. These employment reductions are especially disturbing in rural areas such as central Maine where the economy is based on forest products. Maine has the distinction of loosing over 22% of all manufacturing jobs in the last several years, the highest percentage of any State in the union. Most of these jobs were outsourced, resulting in the closing of numerous longstanding Maine companies and the loss of hundreds of jobs. These were all good paying jobs with excellent benefits.

U.S manufacturers, especially those in Maine can compete with anyone in the world, given an equal opportunity. We have a skilled work force, a plentiful wood supply, and a dash of good old Yankee ingenuity which has made Maine a leader in secondary wood products. All we want is to be able to compete fairly. I feel that it is time that Congress update the CVD laws to ensure that the same laws which apply to our trading partners apply to non-market economies such as China.

Your efforts on this subject are greatly appreciated. With kindest regards, I remain,
Sincerely,
John E. Wentworth
President, Moosehead Manufacturing Co.