WASHINGTON, May 14, 2024 – The following statement is on behalf of Americans for Free Trade in response to release of the statutory four-year review of the Section 301 China tariffs by the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
“Americans for Free Trade is extremely disappointed by the Biden administration’s decision to maintain the harmful Section 301 China tariffs on many non-strategic products, including consumer goods, to the detriment of American workers, consumers and businesses. The tariffs have been a failed policy attempt to change China’s behavior. USTR and the administration must find alternative solutions to address the ongoing issues with China, but also provide more opportunities for American companies to shift their supply chains.
“Throughout this process, USTR received hundreds of comments from businesses large and small that have been negatively impacted by the tariffs. It is unfortunate that these comments were ignored. Maintaining the tariffs, and even increasing them in some categories, will lead to increased prices and nullify any progress the United States has made to combat inflation.
“While USTR has indicated a new exclusions process for machinery used in domestic manufacturing, today’s announcement is silent on the existing exclusions that are set to expire at the end of May. We call upon USTR to immediately renew these exclusions, which have provided limited but important relief for some U.S. businesses — especially for products that have been delayed because of ongoing supply chain disruptions. In addition, we reiterate our call for USTR to provide a robust and transparent exclusion process for all products that remain subject to the Section 301 China tariffs, especially now that the tariffs have been adjusted.”
About Americans for Free Trade
Americans for Free Trade (AFT) is a broad coalition of American businesses, trade organizations and workers united against tariffs.