Pro-Trade Democrats Ask USTR for Temporary Section 301 Relief
While they are pleased that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is seeking information about how Section 301 tariffs are hindering the fight against the spread of COVID-19, three pro-trade Democrats told USTR Robert Lighthizer that “this move alone is not enough to stop the harm that is being done to our health care system and economy. We request that you temporarily suspend tariffs or at least greatly expedite and simplify the tariff exclusion process during this difficult time. Immediate tariff relief will have numerous positive effects, including reducing disruptions to existing supply chains and easing the economic burden on our companies and their workers.”
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Reps. Ron Kind, D-Wis.; Suzan DelBene, D-Wash.; and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., said that some companies have been weakened by sections 301 and 232 tariffs, and “their ability to ride out this health and economic crisis is precarious.” They said that tariffs make it harder for companies to make payroll and keep operations going. “Though we have differing views on the effectiveness of the tariffs, it is important to note that we are not asking for permanent rollbacks at this time,” they wrote March 24.