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WASHINGTON, D.C., (March 18, 2021) — Today, Americans for Free Trade (AFT), a broad coalition of American businesses, trade organizations, and workers united against tariffs sent a letter to United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai congratulating her on her historic confirmation and encouraging her to lift the tariffs and provide Americans with economic relief.

“Lifting the additional tariffs is a simple, straightforward way to provide an economic boost to American families, American workers, and American businesses and to help ensure a successful economic recovery,” Americans for Free Trade wrote. “It is also an important step to repairing relationships with U.S. trading partners and allies and restoring our standing on the world stage.”

Over 160 trade associations signed on to the letter. The full text of the letter may be found here and below.

March 18, 2021

The Honorable Katherine Tai

United States Trade Representative

600 Seventeenth Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20508
 

Dear Ambassador Tai:

Congratulations on your confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative. We appreciate your dedication to public service and look forward to working with you on a worker-centric trade policy that benefits American workers, families, and businesses.

Our companies and associations joined together to form Americans for Free Trade in 2018. 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 employ tens of millions of Americans through our vast supply chains.

American families, workers, and businesses are experiencing a period of unprecedented difficulty and uncertainty. As businesses around the country try to implement and sustain a full and successful recovery from the ongoing economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they need as much certainty as possible. That certainty can be provided in several ways, including by collaborating with our trading partners and allies to address violations of U.S. trade law, and by negotiating trade agreements that open markets for – rather than trigger retaliation against – American exporters and the tens of millions of workers who rely on export markets around the world.

One area that needs immediate attention relates to our tariff policy. Over the last several years, American businesses and families have been assessed more than $90 billion in additional tariffs. These tariffs have resulted in less money in the pockets of American families, a slowdown in U.S. manufacturing, and decreased competitiveness for American businesses vis-à-vis their counterparts in Europe and Asia. Tariffs are taxes. They have created tremendous uncertainty and financial pain for American families, American workers, and American businesses.

We appreciate USTR’s decision to extend for six months product exclusions on medical-care and other products needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an important first step to providing relief, but more can be done. As your office considers how best to deploy U.S. trade policy tools to address the ongoing public health and economic crises, we urge USTR to examine closely the negative impact that tariffs have caused to American families, American workers, and American businesses over the last several years and consider a thorough study of whether they have met their stated objectives. This should include an economic analysis regarding the impact of the tariffs in key areas, such as American jobs, manufacturing, competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. In addition, we urge USTR to examine the effectiveness of the tariffs and the section 301 product exclusion process administered over the last several years.

As USTR conducts these important reviews, we also urge you to take the following immediate actions:

• Reinstate the section 301 product exclusion process, including a retroactive extension for product exclusions that expired during 2020 to provide economic relief and predictability for American businesses, workers, and families;
• Improve the section 301 product exclusion process to ensure it is administered in a fair, transparent, and predictable manner and then initiate a new product exclusion request opportunity;
• For all goods that are needed to respond to COVID-19, provide exclusions for the period beginning on the effective date of the initial COVID-19 national emergency declaration and concluding one year after termination of the COVID-19 national emergency; and
• Resolve ongoing trade disputes through targeted actions and concerted bilateral and multilateral engagement — measures that reduce trade barriers and open markets for American exporters rather than impose additional financial burdens on American families, businesses, and workers through tariffs and close markets when trading partners retaliate.

Lifting the additional tariffs is a simple, straightforward way to provide an economic boost to American families, American workers, and American businesses and to help ensure a successful economic recovery. It is also an important step to repairing relationships with U.S. trading partners and allies and restoring our standing on the world stage.

Again, we congratulate you on your historic confirmation. We would like to request a meeting with you to discuss how we can work with you on a trade policy agenda that tackles the unprecedented challenges facing American families, workers, and businesses.

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 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

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

Experiential Designers and Producers 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

Internet 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 Printing Ink Manufacturers

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM)

National Confectioners Association

National Council of Chain Restaurants

National Customs Brokers and Freight

Forwarders Association of America

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

Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)

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

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

Vinyl Institute

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)

WASHINGTON, D.C., (March 17, 2021) — Today, Americans for Free Trade (AFT) spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement after Katherine Tai was confirmed as United States Trade Representative.

“On behalf of the entire Americans for Free Trade coalition, we would like to congratulate Katherine Tai on her confirmation as United States Trade Representative. We look forward to working with Ambassador Tai to help the millions of Americans who have been negatively affected by tariffs and the trade war with China. We have full faith that Ambassador Tai will echo President Biden’s ‘Build Back Better’ strategy and work to provide relief to American businesses, workers, manufacturers, and farmers who have been struggling to stay afloat because of costly tariffs. Americans for Free Trade is ready and willing to assist Ambassador Tai as we help Americans recover from the fallout of the trade war.”

For almost 20 years, our company has converted and imported commercial grade coated fabrics, mostly from China. Our products are technically advanced and stand up to the harsh chemical cleaners that are now de rigueur in healthcare, commercial, academic and hospitality settings. This technology is not available in the U.S., and we rely on our Chinese suppliers to partner with us to develop products that our global markets need.

As a small business, section 301 tariffs have crippled us and severely challenged our ability to be profitable, retain employees and engage in new product development. So far, though, the Biden administration’s intent regarding section 301 tariffs is not yet clear. 

We understand the number of critical issues that the administration must quickly confront and resolve. Many of these seem to be ahead of the tariff issue, but along with this pandemic, 301 tariffs are the issue that weighs most heavily on our business. Prior to this trade war, our business had experienced year after year of growth, but the section 301 tariffs added entirely new roadblocks.

We have attempted to redirect supply chains but have failed to find reliable alternative suppliers. For years, we have looked at manufacturing our products domestically, but to no avail. We are heartened by the Biden’s administration’s plans to bring back domestic manufacturing, but we know that the cost of establishing the infrastructure needed to build our products is huge. 

As a small business, we don’t have the resources to build it, and unless the government intends to build it, as the Chinese government has done, it will not become reality. In addition to building an infrastructure from the ground up, the challenges of securing and training a qualified workforce, of establishing a reliable domestic supply chain, and of meeting regulatory requirements are significant. We would like nothing more than to label our products Made in America, but the task seems out of reach currently. We hope that will change over time. 

We spent countless hours and resources applying for exclusions from 301 tariffs. We compiled documents and data to show that the tariffs were having a disastrous effect on our business, that our products are not available in the U.S., and that their performance characteristics play an integral role in providing safe healthcare environments. Yet, all our attempts at exclusions were denied, even though exclusion requests for identical products from competitors were granted. We were never given an explanation for this, and it makes no sense to us.

Tariffs are a huge burden on American companies and families, costing over $80 billion to date, and have failed in terms of the original intent whereas China is expected to grow at a blistering 8.3% pace in 2021, which is more than double the 4.1% growth seen in the U.S. And along with the momentous differences in humanitarian and political practices that exist between our countries, tariffs have failed to disrupt the relationships U.S. companies have with their Chinese trading partners.

We need the Biden administration to quickly find a way to provide relief to small businesses from this failed tariff policy. China should be dealt with in powerful and persistent ways that do not translate to excessive taxation on American businesses. Those of us who have worked in China for decades understand that dealing with them requires tough negotiation, but we also know that the Chinese will not be bullied. That policy from the prior administration has failed. Moving forward, we need President Biden to recognize that American businesses are not the problem and should not continue to be penalized by 301 tariffs.

Ann Brunett and Bill Fisch are the small business owners of The Mitchell Group, a faux leather upholstery manufacturer established in 2004.

WASHINGTON, D.C., (March 3, 2021) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement ahead of Katherine Tai’s USTR confirmation vote in the Senate Finance Committee, calling for the immediate review and reinstatement of Section 301 product exclusions. 

“Americans for Free Trade looks forward to working with Ambassador-Designate Tai to use every tool possible to help American businesses, manufacturers, and farmers who have been suffering from the tariffs and trade war with China. To achieve that goal, we urge Ambassador-Designate Tai to immediately conduct a full review of and reinstate the Section 301 product exclusions upon being confirmed. It is critical that the product exclusion process be administered in a fair and transparent manner, yet the process that expired last year was deeply flawed and created significant burdens for companies seeking exclusions. Section 301 exclusions provide critical economic benefits, particularly amid the current economic downturn, and must be reinstated immediately. American businesses cannot afford to wait any longer for action to be taken, and we urge Ambassador-Designate Tai to embrace President Biden’s “Build Back Better” strategy by acting swiftly to help relieve the economic hardship so many American businesses are facing.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (February, 24, 2021) — Today, Americans for Free Trade, a broad coalition of American businesses, trade organizations, and workers united against tariffs sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden and Ranking Member Mike Crapo urging a quick confirmation of United States Trade Representative nominee Katherine Tai. 

“Ms. Tai is eminently qualified to craft a comprehensive, thoughtful, and strategic approach to U.S. trade policy that helps fuel a successful economic recovery for American families, workers, and businesses,” Americans for Free Trade wrote. “We urge the Senate Finance Committee to advance Ms. Tai’s nomination expeditiously, and we urge the full Senate to vote on her confirmation without delay.”

Throughout the letter, Americans for Free Trade highlighted how Americans are facing unprecedented difficulty due to COVID-19 and outlined how certainty can be provided by collaborating with our trading partners and allies instead of retaliating against them. 

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

February 24, 2021
 

The Honorable Ron Wyden
Chairman
Senate Committee on Finance
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mike Crapo
Ranking Member   
Senate Committee on Finance
Washington, DC 20510     
 

Dear Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Crapo,

The Americans for Free Trade coalition, a broad alliance of American businesses, trade organizations and workers united against tariffs, respectfully writes in support of the nomination of Katherine Tai to become the next U.S. Trade Representative. We applaud the scheduling of Ms. Tai’s nomination hearing, to take place on February 25, and we urge her quick confirmation by the Senate.

Ms. Tai and the Biden Administration have promised a “worker-centric trade policy.” Our coalition proudly represents every part of the U.S. economy including manufacturing, farming and agribusinesses, retail, technology, services, natural gas and oil, importers, exporters, and other supply chain stakeholders. Collectively, we support tens of millions of American jobs through our vast supply chains. 

American families, workers, and businesses face unprecedented difficulty and uncertainty from the ongoing economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As American businesses try to implement and sustain a full and successful recovery, they need as much certainty as possible. That certainty can be provided in many ways, including by collaborating with our trading partners and allies to address violations of U.S. trade law and by negotiating trade agreements that open markets for– rather than trigger retaliation against – American exporters and the tens of millions of American workers who rely on export markets around the world.

Further, ensuring the United States has a cohesive and strategic policy to take on China’s unfair trading practices – but does not cause collateral damage to American families, workers, and businesses – is vital to easing existing financial pain and providing certainty that can help fuel a successful recovery. Over the last several years, American businesses and families have been assessed more than $85 billion in additional tariffs. Tariffs are taxes, and they have resulted in less money in the pockets of American familie, a slowdown in U.S. manufacturing, and decreased competitiveness for American businesses vis-à-vis their counterparts in Europe and Asia.

However, the development of a comprehensive China strategy, the opening of markets to U.S. goods and services, the enforcement of U.S. trade agreements, and a meaningful review of the negative impact tariffs have had on American families, workers, and businesses – all of which will help provide certainty and support a successful U.S. economic recovery – cannot happen without a confirmed U.S. Trade Representative in place.

Ms. Tai is eminently qualified to craft a comprehensive, thoughtful, and strategic approach to U.S. trade policy that helps fuel a successful economic recovery for American families, workers, and businesses. We urge the Senate Finance Committee to advance Ms. Tai’s nomination expeditiously, and we urge the full Senate to vote on her confirmation without delay. 

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 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

Experiential Designers and Producers 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

Internet 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 Chemical Distributors (NACD)

National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ)

National Association of Home Builders

National Association of Music Merchants

National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM)

National Confectioners Association

National Council of Chain Restaurants

National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of America

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

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

Semiconductor Industry Association

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

Travel Goods Association

United States Council for International Business

United States Fashion Industry Association

US Global Value Chain Coalition

US-China Business Council

Vinyl Institute

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: Senate Finance Committee Members

The trade war with China is continuing to have a negative impact on American businesses, consumers, and manufacturers. According to data from Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, American taxpayers have paid over $68 billion since the beginning of the trade war. 

The Biden Administration is reportedly assessing the trade war with China and the Phase One Trade Deal that was put forth by the Trump administration. According to Axios, the trade war has been a failure in every possible way. 

“The trade war with China hurt the US economy and failed to achieve major policy goals,” a recent study commissioned by the U.S.-China Business Council argues, finding that the trade war reduced economic growth and cost the U.S. 245,000 jobs.”

Bill Gerhard, who is the president of the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council, echoed this sentiment in Business Insider and outlined the negative impact that tariffs and the trade war are having on American businesses and consumers:

“Americans are struggling, and the longer Trump’s tariffs remain, the worse the situation will get. President Biden has made it clear he wants to help American families navigate this crisis, and one of the most important ways we can work toward that goal is by eliminating the residual tariffs and bringing this trade war to a close.”

Other Democratic leaders agree. Bob Ziegelbauer, the county executive of Manitowoc County and a former Wisconsin Democratic state lawmaker wrote in the Wisconsin State Journal that President Biden “would be wise to begin his time in the White House by repealing tariffs and ending the trade war to put America’s economy on a stronger path to recovery.”

Leaders in Washington must prioritize ending the trade war with China as soon as possible so American businesses and workers can focus their attention on recovery efforts instead.

If you are interested in speaking with someone about the trade war and its negative impact on Americans, please contact press@americansforfreetrade.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C., (January, 29, 2021) — Today, Americans for Free Trade sent a letter to the 117^th Congress urging lawmakers to resolve ongoing trade disputes and extend section 301 tariff exclusions. 

Over 165 trade associations signed the letter, calling on members of Congress to take immediate action to eliminate harmful trade practices and provide relief to struggling Americans.

“As the 117th Congress considers bold new measures to address the ongoing public health and economic crises, we urge Members to examine closely the negative impact that tariffs have caused to American families, American workers, and American businesses over the last several years and consider a thorough study of whether they have met their stated objectives,” Americans for Free Trade wrote. “Lifting the additional tariffs is a simple, straightforward way to provide an economic boost to American families, American workers, and American businesses and to help ensure a successful economic recovery.

The full text of the letter to House leadership may be found here and below.

January 29, 2021

Dear Members of the 117th Congress,

Congratulations on becoming a Member of the 117th Congress. We appreciate your dedication to public service and your willingness to make a difference in the lives of everyday Americans.

Our companies and associations joined together to form Americans for Free Trade in 2018. 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 employ tens of millions of Americans, including many of your constituents, through our vast supply chains.

The 117th Congress is beginning during a period of unprecedented difficulty and uncertainty for American families and American businesses. As businesses around the country try to implement and sustain a full and successful recovery from the ongoing economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during a resurgence of cases and new restrictions on business operations, they need as much certainty as possible. That certainty can be provided in a number of ways, including by collaborating with our trading partners and allies to address violations of U.S. trade law, and by negotiating trade agreements that open up markets for – rather than trigger retaliation against – American exporters and the tens of millions of workers who rely on export markets around the world.

One area that needs immediate attention relates to our tariff policy. Over the last several years, American businesses and families have been assessed more than $85 billion in additional tariffs. These tariffs have resulted in less money in the pockets of American families, a slowdown in U.S. manufacturing, and decreased competitiveness for American businesses vis-à-vis their counterparts in Europe and Asia. Tariffs are taxes. They have created tremendous uncertainty and financial pain for American families, American workers, and American businesses.

As the 117th Congress considers bold new measures to address the ongoing public health and economic crises, we urge Members to examine closely the negative impact that tariffs have caused to American families, American workers, and American businesses over the last several years and consider a thorough study of whether they have met their stated objectives. This should include a request to the independent, bipartisan U.S. International Trade Commission to conduct an economic analysis regarding the impact of the tariffs in key areas, such as American jobs, manufacturing, competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. In addition, we urge the appropriate committees of jurisdiction to examine the effectiveness of the tariffs and the section 301 product exclusion process administered by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

As the 117th Congress conducts these important oversight activities, we also ask that Members urge USTR to take the following immediate actions: 

• Reinstate the section 301 product exclusion process, including a retroactive extension for product exclusions that expired during 2020 to provide economic relief and predictability for American businesses, workers, and families;
• Improve the section 301 process to ensure it is administered in a fair, transparent, and predictable manner;
• Automatically extend all section 301 product exclusions for COVID response items so that American families and businesses can get the personal protective equipment, cleaning equipment, and manufacturing inputs they need to respond to the ongoing public health emergency;
• Resolve ongoing trade disputes through targeted actions and concerted bilateral engagement that reduces trade barriers and opens markets for American exporters – not one that imposes additional burdens on American businesses, American workers, and American families through tariffs and closes markets when trading partners retaliate. 

Lifting the additional tariffs is a simple, straightforward way to provide an economic boost to American families, American workers, and American businesses and to help ensure a successful economic recovery. It is also an important step to repairing relationships with U.S. trading partners and allies and restoring our standing on the world stage.

If you have any questions about the AFT coalition, please visit our website at www.americansforfreetrade.com or email us at info@americansforfreetrade.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C., (January 20, 2021) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement after President Joe Biden’s Inauguration that welcomes the opportunity to work with the Biden administration to end the ongoing trade war with China.

“Americans for Free Trade congratulates President Biden on his inauguration and looks forward to working with him and his administration to help the millions of American businesses, workers, farmers, and manufacturers who have been struggling because of the trade war with China. The next four years offer new opportunities for relief and economic prosperity. President Biden’s administration can make a significant first step in recovery efforts by lifting the tariffs and reforming previous trade policies that further harm businesses and consumers. Our coalition stands ready to assist in this effort and relieve Americans who have already paid billions of dollars in tariffs.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (December 10, 2020) — Today, Americans for Free Trade spokesperson Jonathan Gold released the following statement on the nomination of Katherine Tai to serve as United States Trade Representative (USTR). 

“President-elect Biden campaigned on the promise of investing in American businesses and manufacturing to help rebuild our country, and the new United States Trade Representative (USTR) will play a critical role in achieving those goals. After suffering for years due to a costly trade war created by President Trump, the tens of millions American businesses and workers whose jobs are directly supported by trade are depending on the USTR to take aggressive steps to end the trade war and tariffs.  As someone who has worked closely on these issues for years both in the Office of the USTR and in Congress, Ms. Tai is undoubtedly aware of the devastating impact that tariffs have had on American businesses and workers. Americans for Free Trade looks forward to working with Ms. Tai, once confirmed, to help rebuild our economy by lifting the tariffs and putting in place trade policies that provide immediate relief to Americans.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., (December 10, 2020) — Yesterday, Americans for Free Trade sent two letters to Congressional leaders in support of legislation that would help American businesses recover from the impact that tariffs are having in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The first letter was sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, expressing both strong support for and quick passage of H.R. 7665, a bill that would extend product exclusions in effect as of July 16, 2020. The second letter was sent to Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) expressing strong support for S. 4497, a bill that would temporarily suspend all duties on PPE and other products identified by the U.S. International Trade Commission as needed for the COVID-19 response.

In the letter to House Leadership, Americans for Free Trade cited the need to lift financial burdens on American companies.

“As businesses around the country try to recover from the ongoing economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as we witness a resurgence of cases and new restrictions on business operations, they need as much certainty as possible to ensure a full and successful recovery,” wrote Americans for Free Trade. “Raising tariffs – which are taxes paid by American businesses and consumers – on January 1, 2021 will cause greater uncertainty, impose greater financial burdens on struggling American businesses and have a negative impact on a U.S. economic recovery.”

Americans for Free Trade signed the letter sent to Senators Toomey and Hassan, outlining the crucial role that U.S. companies are playing in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

“American businesses are playing a significant role in creating, transporting, supplying, and selling essential products for America’s COVID-19 response. But at a time when critical medical equipment, PPE, and other health, cleaning, and safety products are scarce, tariffs create barriers that make these essential products more expensive and more difficult to source,” Americans for Free Trade continued.

The full text of the letter to House leadership may be found here. The full text of the letter to Senators Toomey and Hassan may be found here.