Editors’ note: Members of the “Americans for Free Trade” astroturf coalition are the import/offshoring MNC lobby, including the trade associations they fund or control. They were a powerful lobby under past administrations.
The Americans for Free Trade coalition, which represents more than 160 U.S. business associations, is urging the Trump administration to postpone “all tariff rate increases” aimed at Chinese goods scheduled to take effect this year to preserve the holiday season.
[August 28, 2019 | InsideTrade.com]
“These tariff rate increases — some starting as early as Sunday — come at the worst possible time, right in the middle of the busy holiday shipping period,” the coalition wrote in an Aug. 28 letter to President Trump. “Action is needed by you to protect American businesses, workers and consumers this holiday season.” The letter is also addressed to Trump administration officials, including U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow and more.
The coalition, which says it represents “every sector of the U.S. economy,” claim the tariff boosts will lead to higher costs for U.S. consumers during the height of holiday shopping season….
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