WASHINGTON, D.C., (September 7, 2022) — Americans for Free Trade (AFT) spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the below statement following last week’s announcement from the Office of the United States Trade Representative that it has received requests to continue Section 301 tariffs on imports from China:
“Last week’s announcement from the United States Trade Representative is a disappointing and frustrating development for the countless American businesses, families, and consumers who continue to be harmed by these tariffs. USTR’s announcement – released late in the day heading into a holiday weekend – failed to provide transparency into the continuation requests it has received, offered no insight into Phase 2 of the review process, and provided no guidance for those who oppose the tariffs to weigh in.
“As we pointed out in our recent comments to the International Trade Commission, these tariffs have cost Americans more than $150 billion to date. Now, as the state of the economy grows increasingly uncertain it is imperative that USTR immediately makes all continuance requests publicly available, and also provides a comprehensive and transparent notice, comment and public hearing process for those hurt by the tariffs to voice their opposition.”
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