Joint comments on China tariff exclusion process: On August 8, AAFA joined a letter co-signed by more than 80 other trade associations — representing U.S. manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, retailers, technology companies, natural gas and oil companies, importers, exporters, and other supply chain stakeholders — offering comments on the China 301 tariff product exclusion process. The letter stresses the importance of establishing an expedited and fair process to exclude products from these and future lists to mitigate the negative impacts of the proposed tariffs.

What’s next for tariffs: The administration continues to move forward with its third list of punitive tariffs on U.S. imports from China, totaling $200 billion. This list includes all textiles, all travel goods, all hats; and select apparel, accessories, and machinery used in domestic manufacturing. While originally identified for a 10% tariff, the administration is considering increasing the rate to 25%. The opportunity to submit written comments regarding this list has been extended to September 6, and public hearings will take place August 20-23. AAFA has been confirmed to testify on August 20. To learn more, or help explain to legislators how tariffs on products and inputs would impact your businesses, contact AAFA’s Steve Lamar.

 

AAFA supports full ILAB funding: AAFA joined with a group of organizations and brands to express support for full funding of the Department of Labor's International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) in an August 2 letter. The letter — sent to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies — expresses support for the role ILAB plays in promoting a fair global playing field for workers in the U.S. and around the world.