NEMA leadership testifies on potential impact of latest tariffs

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) testified this week in front of the Office of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on the potential harm that could result from the U.S. government’s latest round of proposed tariffs on products imported from China. 

Tariffs of 25 percent already kicked in for $34 billion worth of Chinese imports, and tariffs on another $16 billion worth of imports are now being considered by the USTR. The list of products impacted by these most recent tariffs include at least 30 that “are of direct interest to NEMA members,” according to a prepared statement from NEMA. The group’s leadership made it clear they support “actions to defend markets from unfair practices,” but they are also concerned about “collateral damage associated with higher tariffs.”

“If the purpose of these tariffs is to get the other party to the negotiating table, our industry for one would like to know when those negotiations are to begin,” said Kevin J. Cosgriff, NEMA president and CEO.

“If the 25 percent tariffs are implemented as proposed on these additional products and inputs, they will represent a tax increase on U.S. manufacturers and their industrial, commercial, and residential customers valued at about $500 million," Craig Updyke, NEMA director for trade and commercial affairs, said in his testimony.

NEMA’s full written comments on these tariffs are available here.