AFL-CIO Says TAA, AD/CVD Reform, de Minimis Restriction Should Be in China Bill
The AFL-CIO told China bill conferees that renewing Trade Adjustment Assistance, making changes to trade remedies laws, creating outbound investment screening and removing Chinese exports from de minimis eligibility "should be included in any competitiveness package that purports to challenge China's increasing economic dominance."
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The $800 "threshold is far too high and has allowed a new model of direct-to-consumer imports, particularly from China, with significant negative impact on many U.S. sectors, including textiles and apparel," the unions' letter said.
The letter also said they want the House version of the Generalized System of Preferences benefits program and the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, "in order to restore its historical purpose of exempting components, and not finished products, for goods to be produced domestically."
"The COMPETES Act also removes harmful language from the Senate bill that would unnecessarily tie the administration's hands with regard to China 301 tariffs and weaken US enforcement of trade laws that are necessary to stop China's illegal trade practices," the AFL-CIO said.
The letter said that the Section 301 exclusion section in the Senate bill puts new and unnecessary burdens on CBP and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. "Touted as 'oversight,' these provisions' purpose is to roll back China tariffs and would grease the skids for more imports from China. They should not be included in legislation dealing with the competitive challenges we face from China."
The AFL-CIO also opposes removing tariffs on personal protective equipment, medicine or other medical goods.