[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE TRADE RELATIONS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR BETWEEN 
                           KOREA AND THE U.S.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the House Auto Caucus with 
Congressman Fred Upton, I am introducing on our behalf a concurrent 
resolution to express this Congress' support for improved trade 
relations in the automotive sector between Korea and the United States. 
A companion concurrent resolution is being introduced by the Senate 
Auto Caucus co-chairs, Senator Carl Levin and Senator George Voinovich.
  For too long, Korea has kept its market closed to United States 
automobiles and auto parts. This must change.
  Up until 1990, Korea maintained a completely closed market, and it 
was not until 1999, in the midst of economic crisis, that it opened its 
market to all manufacturers. However, it has made every effort to 
continue to restrict foreign motor vehicles. This is best exemplified 
by the facts. In the year 2000, a total of 1,057,620 motor vehicles 
were sold in the Republic of Korea, but only 4414 were imported and 
only 1268 were made in the United States. As a result, American motor 
vehicles represented a pathetic 0.12 percent of all motor vehicle sales 
in Korea.
  Anticompetitive activities in Korea must stop. Threats of income tax 
audits on Koreans who purchase foreign automobiles must cease. 
Underhanded trade barriers must be lowered. Passage of this concurrent 
resolution will send a clear message to Korea that things must change.
  I encourage all of my colleagues to support this effort to ensure 
fair trade and an open market for American motor vehicles in Korea. I 
look forward to working with colleagues to ensure its passage.

                          ____________________