WASHINGTON — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is urging the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to end the 25% Section 301 tariffs imposed four years ago on goods from China since they have not helped achieve the goal of eliminating China's unfair practices with respect to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation.
SEMA recently submitted comments to Katherine Tai, the USTR, outlining the reasons why the companies it represents need relief from these tariffs, which were imposed "with little warning four years ago and continue to inflict economic harm on this industry."
Nearly all SEMA members sourcing goods from China have been directly impacted by the 25% tariffs, the Diamond Bar-based trade group said.
SEMA observed that the tariffs have had the opposite effect of making U.S. manufacturers less competitive and preventing American companies from growing. They have also increased costs for American consumers and contributed to inflation.
The Section 301 tariffs were imposed more than four years ago and are being reviewed by the USTR to determine whether they should continue, expire or be modified.
SEMA stressed that most member companies are small businesses that have tight operating budgets with business models that did not include unexpected tariffs. The ability to absorb or pass along the cost of the tariffs has caused economic strife.
Four years after the imposition of the 301 tariffs, SEMA said its member companies continue to cope with the economic uncertainty as to whether the tariffs will be removed, reduced or extended. There is no deadline for the USTR to complete its review
