ISSA Responds to Tariff Increases

On August 23, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will increase List 1-3 tariffs (on US$250 billion worth of Chinese goods) from 25% to 30% beginning October 1. He also announced the tariffs on List 4A and 4B (another $300 billion of Chinese goods) set to begin September 1 and December 15 respectively will now be taxed at a rate of 15% instead of 10%, according to CNBC.

In response to the tariffs, ISSA signed onto a letter to President Trump with 162 other trade associations a part of Americans for Free Trade coalition. The letter expresses ISSA’s concern with the continued escalation of the trade war and its impacts on the cleaning industry and Americans.

According to the letter, “The full adverse impact of these tariff increases will be felt entirely in the United States and could represent one of the largest tax increases in American history… subjecting U.S. companies, the workers they employ, and the consumers they serve to new and unprecedented taxes takes us further away from the deal you are working to craft.”

ISSA has been weighing in on the tariffs since they were first announced. Earlier this month John Nothdurft, director of government affairs for ISSA reiterated that, “ISSA continues to support a comprehensive trade deal with China, but we are disappointed President Trump decided to add additional tariffs. Tariffs are hurting American businesses and consumers by increasing the costs of a multitude of products including those used to keep hospitals, schools, and homes clean and sanitary.”

ISSA will continue to keep its members updated as the trade talks proceed. For additional information, or questions regarding tariffs, other legal issues, or ISSA’s advocacy efforts, please contact ISSA Director of Government AffairsJohn Nothdurft.