WASHINGTON — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is adding its voice to those opposing the Trump administration's expanding penchant for tariffs on imported goods, saying they are harming American companies, workers, and consumers.
"The United States has helped create a global free trade system that includes mechanisms for addressing unfair trade practices," SEMA President and CEO Christopher Kersting said.
"SEMA cautions the president and lawmakers to work with our trading partners and employ U.S. law judiciously. The current tariffs are a tax on American companies and consumers that are causing unnecessary harm."
The Diamond Bar, Calif.-based trade association claims that SEMA member companies are grappling with higher-priced steel and aluminum because of global tariffs.
The U.S. government also has initiated "questionable" tariffs on Chinese products, SEMA said, and retaliatory tariffs levied by China and many American allies are in the works.
Beyond that, SEMA said, Mr. Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to America's national security. Hanging in the balance are proposed tariffs of up to 25 percent on imported automobiles and auto parts.
While the premise of the investigation has not been clearly communicated, SEMA said, imposing tariffs would have "damaging consequences for the industry and automotive enthusiasts."