By Associated Press
Mobile, AL – A new study says Alabama lost 39,300 jobs from 2001 to 2008 because of Chinese imports.
The study released Tuesday by the Economic Policy Institute indicates that Alabama lost almost 2 percent of total employment in the period. It found that Alabama's 1st Congressional District, including Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe and Washington counties, as well as parts of Clarke, lost 4,000 jobs over eight years, or 1.42 percent of employment.
The 7th District, which runs from Birmingham down to Choctaw, Wilcox and the rest of Clarke counties, lost 3,300 jobs, or 1.36 percent. Job losses were heavier in northern and eastern parts of the state.
Critics say the study assumes all jobs lost to Chinese-made goods came from the United States and not other countries where workers make less than Americans.