Americans for Free Trade greeted members of the 116th Congress with a letter expressing concerns about tariffs.
AFT is a coalition of more than 100 business and trade groups, including the Home Furnishings Association.
“The 116th Congress is beginning during a period of unprecedented economic growth and job creation, yet continued prosperity is not a foregone conclusion,” the letter addressed to each senator and representative stated.
“We agree that China must be held to account for its violations of our trade laws and the international trade obligations all nations share. However, imposition of a tariff of up to 25 percent on $250 billion worth of China products – and the threat to impose a similar duty on $267 billion more of such products – will not remedy the situation.”
AFT noted that global supply chains have been built over decades to suit the strengths of the U.S. economy and those of its trading partners. They are “extremely complex and they cannot be shifted overnight,” the letter said. Disruptions can harm key relationships and damage the U.S. economy, despite its current robust health.
AFT urged members of Congress to stay in touch with affected constituents and to exercise appropriate oversight authority over administration trade policies.
Other coalition members include the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association and many state retail associations.
