Over 100 years ago, the American Association of Importers and Exporters (AAEI) was founded based on the principle that free and fair trade opens markets and plays an integral role in the U.S.’s economic progress by expanding consumer choices and providing increased opportunities for U.S. workers and employers.
Since the start of the second Trump Administration, conversations surrounding tariffs have been at the top of the agenda. AAEI understands the Trump Administration’s goal to create greater balance in U.S. trade relationships and overall fair trade practices. Any tariff proposal must consider the impact on supply chains. The uncertainty surrounding existing and proposed tariffs has compelled importers and exporters to prepare for countless scenarios, resulting in significant and negative business impacts.
With the imposition of tariffs, AAEI is urging the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to restore a transparent and effective exclusions process for emergencies and investigatory tariffs. For each tranche of the tariffs in 2019-20, the USTR established a process by which importers could request a temporary exclusion of products subject to the action. These exclusions were granted for a limited time and with few exceptions. Due process as it pertains to the Trump Administration’s new tariff policy is imperative. AAEI also requests that the USTR work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to take a deliberative and transparent approach to tariff implementation.
AAEI urges the Trump Administration to cooperate with U.S. trading partners to advance towards the settlement of trade disputes. AAEI will continue to work with the Trump Administration, government agencies, and Congress to provide technical guidance on tariff implementation and encourage the pursuit of cooperative trade relationships that advance open markets and strengthen economic growth.
