The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission will be holding a public field investigation on January 30, 2004, in Columbia, South Carolina to assess China's Impact on the U.S. Manufacturing Base. This investigation will examine first-hand how the U.S.-China economic and trade relationship is impacting the industrial base of South Carolina, and how this may be indicative of broader trends in the U.S. economy.

According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, South Carolina has lost around 63,000 manufacturing jobs - a nearly 20 percent decline - over the past three years.  Among the hardest hit industries have been textiles, apparel and steel.  The Commission will hear from industry and labor representatives from these and other industry sectors on the extent to which U.S. trade with China is playing a role in these economic dynamics. 

The event will be kicked-off by U.S. Senators Ernest Hollings (D-SC) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).  After hearing industry and labor perspectives, the day will conclude with a discussion on the community impact of economic dislocations and an open microphone session where interested members of the public can voice their views.  Registration for the open microphone session begins at 3 pm.