Retail groups make anti-tariff appeal to White House
Some of the largest brands in retail sent a letter to President Trump outlining their concerns about the detrimental impact broadly applied tariffs could have on American families.
The National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, American Apparel & Footwear Association said they were concerned that any benefits from the recent tax reform, for retailers and families, will be wiped out by broadly applied tariffs on every day consumer products.
The White House indicated they would consider remedial actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act as part of their investigation into unfair Chinese technology and intellectual property policies and practices. Under section 301, the President has unilateral and discretionary action to retaliate against China. The retaliation package could include widespread tariffs on consumer goods, like electronics, apparel, footwear, and home goods.
“We support holding our trading partners accountable and using targeted trade remedies against intellectual property theft, illegal dumping or subsidies, and other proven trade violations,” the signers of the letter said.
“At the same time, we are concerned about the negative impact as you consider remedial actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act could have on America’s working families … Applying any additional broad-based tariff would worsen this inequity and punish American working families with higher prices on household basics like clothing, shoes, electronics, and home goods.
Sandy Kennedy, president of RILA, stated that imposed tariffs could set the industry back.
“This is not American industries crying wolf,” she said. “Higher tariffs will mean higher costs to businesses and in turn higher prices for American families. After a major tax reform victory, widespread tariffs on everyday consumer goods will wipe out much of the benefits realized by the average American household. We must do right by American families, and make sure they are not the ones who will pay for China’s harmful technology practices.”
To read a full copy of the letter, click here.
The National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, American Apparel & Footwear Association said they were concerned that any benefits from the recent tax reform, for retailers and families, will be wiped out by broadly applied tariffs on every day consumer products.
The White House indicated they would consider remedial actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act as part of their investigation into unfair Chinese technology and intellectual property policies and practices. Under section 301, the President has unilateral and discretionary action to retaliate against China. The retaliation package could include widespread tariffs on consumer goods, like electronics, apparel, footwear, and home goods.
“We support holding our trading partners accountable and using targeted trade remedies against intellectual property theft, illegal dumping or subsidies, and other proven trade violations,” the signers of the letter said.
“At the same time, we are concerned about the negative impact as you consider remedial actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act could have on America’s working families … Applying any additional broad-based tariff would worsen this inequity and punish American working families with higher prices on household basics like clothing, shoes, electronics, and home goods.
Sandy Kennedy, president of RILA, stated that imposed tariffs could set the industry back.
“This is not American industries crying wolf,” she said. “Higher tariffs will mean higher costs to businesses and in turn higher prices for American families. After a major tax reform victory, widespread tariffs on everyday consumer goods will wipe out much of the benefits realized by the average American household. We must do right by American families, and make sure they are not the ones who will pay for China’s harmful technology practices.”
To read a full copy of the letter, click here.