NEMA VP testifies about potential harm of proposed tariffs on Chinese imports
Kyle Pitsor, vice president of government affairs for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), testified this week about the potential impact tariffs proposed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) could have on NEMA member companies and the electrical and medical imaging industries.
“According to U.S. government trade data, we have estimated the 2017 value of Chinese shipments to U.S.-based electrical and medical imaging manufacturers was approximately $9 billion, or slightly less than one-fifth of the entire $50 billion in imports targeted by the proposal,” Pitsor said in a prepared statement. “The 25 percent tariffs are implemented as proposed, they would represent a tax increase on U.S. manufacturers and their industrial, commercial and residential customers valued at about $2.25 billion.”
Medical imaging equipment, including CT, MRI and x-ray systems, are among the products that would be affected by the USTR proposal.
“U.S. electrical and medical imaging manufacturers support an approach that results in fair and open global markets through the application of clear, binding, and enforceable trade rules and compliance with international norms of intellectual property protection,” Pitsor said. “We urge the Administration to consider and pursue alternative measures to bring about the necessary changes in Beijing that result in free and fair trade in our global marketplace.”
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.