Author: Samantha Azzarelli

WASHINGTON, D.C., (November 12, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement urging President-elect Biden to commit to repealing the trade war tariffs that continue to harm U.S. businesses.

“With the 2020 presidential election behind us, we strongly encourage President-elect Biden and his transition team to commit to lifting the tariffs and ending the trade war with China. The current tariffs on China continue to hurt U.S. businesses, manufacturers and exporters who are trying to recover from the continuing economic harm from the pandemic. The additional costs of the tariffs continue to impact those efforts. We urge President-elect Biden to stand with American businesses and workers and make repealing the tariffs one of his top priorities during his first 30 days in office. American businesses, manufacturers, exporters and farmers who have paid billions of dollars in tariffs to the federal government continue to struggle amid the economic crisis. As President-elect Biden works to help the economy recover, he must make ending the trade war a top priority.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (November 5, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer calling for an automatic extension of the current tariff exclusions beyond the December 31 deadline. The letter also calls for the USTR to publish a new, public comment process for expiring exclusions that would include previous exclusions that have not been renewed. 

Over 160 trade associations signed the letter, citing the need to provide American businesses with much-needed relief during this uncertain and unprecedented time.

“Extending product exclusions is a straightforward and efficient way for the administration to  provide certainty and relief to American businesses during this difficult economic time,” Americans for Free Trade wrote. “Until the Section 301 tariffs are fully eliminated, we urge USTR to maintain a robust, predictable, and  transparent product exclusion process.”

The full text of the letter may be found here and below:
 

November 5, 2020
 

The Honorable Robert E. Lighthizer

United States Trade Representative

600 Seventeenth Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20508
 

Dear Ambassador Lighthizer:

On behalf of the Americans for Free Trade coalition, we write to urge the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to move expeditiously to extend exclusions for products covered by the Section 301 China tariffs before they expire on December 31, 2020. Doing so would provide certainty for American businesses already struggling with the economic fallout from COVID-19 and avoid doing additional harm to the U.S. economy.

Our coalition represents every part of the U.S. economy including manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, retailers, technology companies, service suppliers, natural gas and oil companies, powersports manufacturers, importers, exporters, and other supply chain stakeholders. Collectively, we support tens of millions of American jobs through our vast supply chains. 

While we continue to advocate for the full elimination of the Section 301 tariffs, we recognize the important role that the product exclusion process has played in alleviating the burden of additional tariffs for some American businesses. So long as Section 301 tariffs remain in place, having a predictable, fair, and transparent product exclusion process is vital to creating a modicum of certainty for American businesses. That certainty, however, is in jeopardy as all remaining product exclusions are set to expire at the end of this year. As American businesses continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, they should not have to face the uncertainty of tax increases on January 1 because of a reimposition of tariffs on previously excluded products. It remains unclear whether USTR intends to offer additional product exclusion extension opportunities for the remaining exclusions. We believe it is crucial for USTR to do so.

More specifically, we urge USTR to automatically extend existing product exclusions for at least six months. This move would be welcome news to the American businesses, workers, consumers, and farmers who have paid nearly $60 billion in taxes to the federal government in the form of tariffs since the trade war with China began. It would also provide certainty for American businesses trying to recover from the economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternatively, we urge USTR to issue a Federal Register Notice announcing a new public comment period to extend expiring exclusions as soon as possible. This should also include an opportunity to submit comments for products covered by exclusions that were not extended by USTR earlier this year.

Extending product exclusions is a straightforward and efficient way for the administration to provide certainty and relief to American businesses during this difficult economic time. Until the Section 301 tariffs are fully eliminated, we urge USTR to maintain a robust, predictable, and transparent product exclusion process.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,
 

Accessories Council

ACT | The App Association

Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC)

ALMA, International (Association of Loudspeaker Manufacturing and Acoustics)

American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI)

American Association of Port Authorities

American Bakers Association

American Bridal & Prom Industry Association (ABPIA)

American Chemistry Council

American Coatings Association, Inc. (ACA)

American Down and Feather Council

American Fly Fishing Trade Association

American Home Furnishings Alliance

American Lighting Association

American Petroleum Institute

American Pyrotechnics Association

American Rental Association

American Specialty Toy Retailing Association

American Wind Energy Association

Arizona Technology Council

Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association

Association For Creative Industries

Association for PRINT Technologies

Association of American Publishers

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Auto Care Association

Beer Institute

BSA | The Software Alliance

California Retailers Association

Can Manufacturers Institute

Carolina Loggers Association

Chemical Industry Council of Delaware (CICD)

Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT)

Coalition of Services Industries (CSI)

Colorado Retail Council

Columbia River Customs Brokers and Forwarders Assn.

Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA)

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)

Consumer Brands Association

Consumer Technology Association

Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

CropLife America

Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Assn. of Washington State

Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders of Northern California

Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Electronic Transactions Association

Fashion Accessories Shippers Association (FASA)

Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Trade Association

Flexible Packaging Association

Florida Ports Council

Florida Retail Federation

Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA)

Fragrance Creators Association

Game Manufacturers Association

Gemini Shippers Association

Georgia Retailers

Global Chamber®

Global Cold Chain Alliance

Greeting Card Association

Halloween Industry Association

Home Fashion Products Association

Home Furnishings Association

Household and Commercial Products Association

Idaho Retailers Association

Illinois Retail Merchants Association

Independent Office Products & Furniture

Dealers Association (IOPFDA)

Indiana Retail Council

Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)

International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)

International Foodservice Distributors Association

International Housewares Association

International Warehouse and Logistics Association

International Wood Products Association

ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association

Jeweler’s Vigilance Committee

Juice Products Association (JPA)

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

Leather and Hide Council of America

Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association

Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight

Forwarders Assn.

Louisiana Retailers Association

Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association

Maine Lobster Dealers’ Association

Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay

Maryland Retailers Association

Methanol Institute

Michigan Chemistry Council

Michigan Retailers Association

Minnesota Retailers Association

Missouri Retailers Association

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

Motorcycle Industry Council

NAPIM (National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers)

National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)

National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD)

National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ)

National Association of Home Builders

National Association of Music Merchants

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM)

National Confectioners Association

National Council of Chain Restaurants

National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of America

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

National Fisheries Institute

National Foreign Trade Council

National Grocers Association

National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association

National Marine Manufacturers Association

National Restaurant Association

National Retail Federation

National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association

National Sporting Goods Association

Natural Products Association

New Jersey Retail Merchants Association

North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD)

North Carolina Retail Merchants Association

Ohio Council of Retail Merchants

Outdoor Industry Association

Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight

Forwarders Assns. Inc.

Pennsylvania Retailers’ Association

PeopleforBikes

Personal Care Products Council

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council

Petroleum Equipment & Services Association

Plumbing Manufacturers International

Power Tool Institute (PTI)

Promotional Products Association International

Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association

Retail Association of Maine

Retail Council of New York State

Retail Industry Leaders Association

Retailers Association of Massachusetts

RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)

San Diego Customs Brokers and Forwarders Assn.

SEMI

Snowsports Industries America

Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates

Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)

South Dakota Retailers Association

Specialty Equipment Market Association

Specialty Vehicle Institute of America

Sports & Fitness Industry Association

TechNet

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

Texas Retailers Association

Texas Water Infrastructure Network

The Airforwarders Association

The Fertilizer Institute

The Hardwood Federation

The Toy Association

The Vinyl Institute

Travel Goods Association

Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA)

United States Council for International Business

United States Fashion Industry Association

US Global Value Chain Coalition

US-China Business Council

Virginia Retail Merchants Association

Virginia-DC District Export Council (VA-DC DEC)

Washington Retail Association

Window and Door Manufacturers Association

World Pet Association, Inc. (WPA)

CC: 

Secretary Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Department of Treasury

Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Department of Commerce

Secretary Sonny Perdue, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Director Larry Kudlow, National Economic Council of the United States

Members of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C., (October 29, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement ahead of next week’s election.  
 
“In the last few days before the election, President Trump and Vice President Biden must commit to repealing the tariffs and ending the failed trade war in their final argument to voters. Key swing states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina are among the hardest hit by tariffs, and voters in these states need to see leadership on trade policy from both candidates. While tariffs have not been the predominant issue of this campaign, to many farmers, business owners, and manufacturers, it is the single greatest challenge they face every day. President Trump and Vice President Biden would be wise to make sure the American people know they will put American workers and consumers first and end the trade war.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (October 22, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement ahead of tonight’s final Presidential debate.  

“As President Trump and Vice President Biden make their final pitch to voters during tonight’s debate, it is critical that both candidates use their time on the national stage to commit to repealing tariffs and ending the trade war. It is long overdue for the tariffs to be lifted, yet neither candidate has made a firm commitment to end the trade war if they’re elected in November. American farmers, businesses, and consumers continue to pay tens of billions of dollars in tariffs at the same time they struggle to stay afloat amid the economic crisis. Americans need relief now. We encourage both candidates to use tonight as an opportunity to show leadership and promise immediate relief to Americans.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (October 8, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement regarding last night’s Vice Presidential Debate at the University of Utah. 

“Last night’s debate gave Americans the opportunity to hear where the Vice Presidential candidates stand on tariffs and the trade war. While Vice President Pence doubled down on the Administration’s trade policies, Senator Harris highlighted the devastating impact of the trade war on jobs, manufacturing, and agriculture in the United States. Although Vice President Pence attacked Vice President Biden’s plan ‘to repeal all of the tariffs that President Trump put into effect,’ it would be welcome news to the American businesses, workers, consumers and farmers who have paid nearly $60 billion in taxes to the federal government in the form of tariffs since the trade war began. Lifting the tariffs should not be a partisan issue – members of both parties have long supported trade policies that put American workers and farmers first – and we urge both the Trump Administration and Biden campaign to commit to repealing the tariffs.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (October 7, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement ahead of tonight’s Vice Presidential Debate at the University of Utah. 

“Never in recent history have the stakes been higher for a Vice Presidential debate, and millions of Americans will be tuning in tonight to hear directly from Vice President Pence and Senator Harris about their vision for our country. As the economy and American businesses continue to struggle, both candidates would be wise to use this opportunity to speak out against tariffs, and the billions of dollars in taxes that American companies, farmers, and consumers have paid as a result of the President’s failed trade war with China. We should use every tool available to help lift our nation out of this economic crisis, and we urge Vice President Pence and Senator Harris to use their time on the national stage to show leadership on this issue and call for tariffs to be lifted.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (September 30, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement on the presidential debate in Cleveland, OH last night.   
 
“During last night’s presidential debate, both candidates had the opportunity to show their support for American businesses, farmers, and workers by vowing to end the trade war and lift tariffs. Unfortunately, neither candidate used their time to highlight how tariffs and the ongoing trade war have cost Americans nearly $60 billion. While the President repeatedly attacked China as he has throughout his presidency to justify the trade war, he failed to mention that tariffs are taxes that Americans pay, not China. These taxes have been particularly harmful for businesses already struggling this year amid the economic downturn. In this final stretch of the campaign, it is critical for both candidates to commit to ending the tariffs and focus their efforts instead on policies that will help revitalize American businesses and communities and provide much-needed relief to our manufacturing and agricultural sectors.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (July 28, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade sent a letter to Representatives Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) expressing strong support for their bipartisan legislation, H.R. 7665, to extend current product exclusions from the Section 301 China tariffs for at least one year. Over 160 trade associations signed the letter, citing the need to provide certainty for companies who have been granted exclusions and give transparency to the current exclusion process. 

“As businesses around the country try to recover from the economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they need as much certainty as possible to ensure a full and successful recovery,” Americans for Free Trade wrote. “The exclusion process as implemented by USTR should not stand as a barrier to a businesses’ ability to recover. Businesses often have to wait months – and some have waited up to a year – to find out from USTR whether they have been granted an exclusion.”

The full text of the letter may be found here and below:

July 28, 2020

The Honorable Jackie Walorski                                
419 Cannon House Office Building                          
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Collin Peterson
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Walorski and Representative Peterson,

            On behalf of Americans for Free Trade, we are writing to thank you for your leadership and express our strong support for H.R. 7665, which directs the United States Trade Representative to extend current product exclusions from the Section 301 China tariffs for at least one year. We fully believe that H.R. 7665 is needed to provide certainty for companies who have been granted exclusions and transparency to the current exclusion process. 

            Our coalition represents every part of the U.S. economy including manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, retailers, technology companies, service suppliers, natural gas and oil companies, importers, exporters, and other supply chain stakeholders. Collectively, we support tens of millions of American jobs through our vast supply chains.  

            As businesses around the country try to recover from the economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they need as much certainty as possible to ensure a full and successful recovery. The exclusion process as implemented by USTR should not stand as a barrier to a businesses’ ability to recover. Businesses often have to wait months – and some have waited up to a year – to find out from USTR whether they have been granted an exclusion. Often that news comes at the last minute, with the exclusion expiring shortly after they receive it. This forces businesses to expend resources reapplying for the same exclusion right away. 

We have also heard from many businesses about the lack of transparency around the process, for example how or why one business is granted a product exclusion, but another is denied for the same product. In many instances, companies who have been denied an exclusion – even in instances where there was no industry objection – have not been provided full details as to why their exclusion was denied. This information would help businesses better understand the type of information USTR is looking for in future exclusion requests, as well as understand whether USTR is administering the process in a fair and transparent manner.

            We recently submitted comments for the record for the Ways & Means Committee hearing with Ambassador Lighthizer on the 2020 Trade Policy Agenda. In those comments, we called upon the Committee to increase its oversight of the exclusion process and insist that USTR administer the process in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner to ensure that it provides meaningful relief for those bearing the brunt of these harmful tariffs. We also noted concerns with Ambassador Lighthizer’s comments that future extensions to current exclusions would only be granted through this calendar year. We believe the statements demonstrate a fundamental lack of understanding of the complex business decisions that determine where global supply chains are developed and whether they can or should be moved. The comments also showed little regard for the economic uncertainty faced by American businesses because of the COVID-19 outbreak. That is why your legislation, which will provide much-needed certainty, is so critically important.

            We thank you for your ongoing leadership regarding the impact of tariffs on U.S. businesses throughout the economy. We encourage quick passage of H.R. 7665.

Sincerely,

WASHINGTON, D.C., (July 1, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade filed comments to the public records of the House Ways & Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee in response to the June 17th testimony of United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer before both committees on the President’s 2020 Trade Policy Agenda.

“Members and Senators from both sides of the aisle made it clear during Amb. Lighthizer’s testimony that President Trump’s tariffs are having a negative impact on the economy in their states and across the country,” said Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold. “Tariffs are billions of dollars in taxes that American businesses, farmers, and consumers have been paying since before the COVID-19 outbreak, and they are causing even greater harm now amid the continuing economic crisis. The Administration should be doing everything it can to stimulate the economy during this time of economic recovery, and that’s why hundreds of American businesses, manufacturers, and farmers are calling on President Trump to end the tariffs now.”

160 companies signed onto these comments for the public record. The letter to the House Ways & Means Committee may be found here and the letter to the Senate Finance Committee may be found here.

In case you missed it, Tariffs Hurt the Heartland recently hosted a virtual roundtable discussion featuring Pennsylvania farmers, business owners and manufacturers that are being negatively impacted by President Trump’s trade war with China. 

Leaders across several industries shared how the elimination of tariffs would help their businesses navigate and survive the complexities of the market, especially now in the midst of COVID-19. Sherril Mossee, founder and CEO of MinkeeBlue said,

“When the tariffs hit, I was really devastated because I had little money to begin with, and [tariffs] impacted my business tremendously. I’ve been working tirelessly trying to figure things out while I try to navigate tariffs, manufacturing, and trying to make sure that I stay relevant in the market.”

Speaking to the impact that Pennsylvania farmers have experienced, Dennis Wolff, owner of Pen-Col Farms in Millville, shared:

“The trade war has been devastating to [Pennsylvania] agriculture, agriculture across the United states, and rural America. There is no question that when a farmer goes out of business it not only impacts that farm and [their] family, but it also hurts the surrounding areas in rural Pennsylvania.”  

Pennsylvania taxpayers have paid over $1.6 billion in additional taxes because of the trade war. What’s worse, tariffs could cost 84,800 jobs in Pennsylvania.

Craig Allen, President of the U.S.-China Business Council shared how an additional deal must be made to provide tariff relief:

“The continued use of tariffs is really causing a lot of damage in both countries, and the sooner that we are able to reach a Phase Two agreement, the better it will be for distillers, farmers, and manufacturers all across the country.”

Now is the time to end tariffs.