They argue that by boosting trade with China the United States can help spur entrepreneurship, and in turn, democratic progress. The more China engages economically with other countries, the more likely it will come around to make political democratic reforms. Polling data, however, suggest that a majority of Americans are on labor's side on this issue. While Americans generally favor free trade, they overwhelmingly oppose granting PNTR if it means ending Congress' opportunity to review China's record each year. A poll conducted this year by Peter Hart Research showed that 65 percent oppose giving China permanent trade access without allowing Congress to annually review its record.
Steelworkers stand perhaps the most to lose under the agreement.
China is already the leading producer of steel in the world, and according to Tribovic, granting PNTR would make it easier for China to dump steel in American markets. President George Becker said that PNTR for China must be defeated in Congress, and the free world must stop turning its back on some of the worst examples of worker oppression on the globe. They argue that given the population of China and the prevalence of forced labor there, companies will waste little time moving their operations East. Regardless, some labor union officials point out how China trade deal would be the largest and most influential of trade agreements to date. It would have more profound effect than any deal so far.