News
ISSA Calls for Review of U.S. Trade Policies
December 8, 2020ISSA has joined over 150 trade associations and companies as part of the Americans for Free Trade coalition representing every part of the U.S. economy to call for a review of how current U.S. trade policies and actions are adversely impacting our economy, particularly as it works to sustain recovery from COVID-19.
In a letter to U.S. President-Elect Joe Biden, the coalition stated that “As a result of the current trade war against China and our other trading partners, U.S. businesses and consumers have paid more than US$68 billion in tariffs, which are taxes. Other countries do not pay these tariffs.” The signatories noted tariffs have “increased costs for U.S. manufacturers, who rely on imported inputs and components for production at home, and for importers, whose businesses rely on finished consumer goods.” U.S. consumers and families also have “born increased costs for household items they rely on every day.”
“Tariffs are hampering the ability of the cleaning industry to get critical cleaning and disinfecting supplies to consumers and front-line workers,” said ISSA Director of Government Affair John Nothdurft. “Manufacturers of cleaning products are often operating 24/7 just to try and keep up with demand. Tariff relief will help the cleaning supply chain ensure access and affordability of these products. We look forward to working with federal elected officials as they develop future trade strategy.”
ISSA is working diligently to support the full spectrum of the cleaning industry, in the U.S. and worldwide, during the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing a variety of government affairs resources. Please consider supporting the ISSA Advocacy Fund in any amount to help us continue to advocate for free trade. For questions regarding ISSA advocacy, including trade and tariff-related issues, please contact John Nothdurft, ISSA Director of Government Affairs.