Alliance for American Manufacturing Wants President to Modify ‘Tariff Relief’
In a white paper this week, the association says U.S. deferment of tariff payments and other fees by importers will hurt factory workers and encourage offshoring. AAA finds the decision troublesome in light of the current manufacturing environment fraught with plant closures, layoffs and furloughs.
Posted: April 23, 2020
The Alliance for American Manufacturing is pushing back on the Trump Administration’s April 19 decision to authorize a 90-day deferment of tariff payments and other fees by importers, saying in a white paper that American workers and manufacturers are at risk.
An excerpt follows:
“This special treatment for importers is likely to adversely impact American workers and manufacturers who are stepping up for their nation in a time of crisis, or facing widespread layoffs, furloughs, and closures. Manufacturing has been slower to rebound during previous economic downturns than other sectors, and this administrative action will likely slow the sector’s recovery this time as well. Adding more imports to an already fragile domestic manufacturing economy is ill-timed and unwise.
“It is our hope that the Trump administration will significantly alter this plan, without delay, to ensure that loopholes are not exploited and to clearly communicate that this action is temporary and strictly limited in time and scope. The administration must make clear that accumulated debts will be collected and that there will not be unjustified gifts granted to importers.”
Click here to read the document.