Greater Austin Chamber Board Issues Position Statement on Tariffs

Posted on 03/22/2018

A Resolution to Oppose New Tariffs and Other Barriers that Threaten the Competitiveness of U.S. Businesses, Endanger American Jobs and Increase Costs to Consumers

Austin, Texas (March 22, 2018) The following comment was released today by the Greater Austin Chamber Board of Directors:

"In response to the Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors calls for the Administration to return to a long-standing practice in support of free trade. We call on Congress to oppose new tariffs and other barriers that threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, endanger American jobs and increase costs to consumers. We understand that additional tariffs are being proposed and issued in real time, with the opportunity for public comment. The Austin Chamber intends to do so in opposition to existing proposals."

Background
On March 8, 2018, President Trump issued a proclamation imposing a 25 percent tariff on steel and 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports into the U.S. from worldwide markets. Despite the exemption of NAFTA countries and the opportunity for individual companies to file an exemption request, these tariffs would have far reaching consequences on not only the steel and aluminum industry, but also other industries that import/export in Central Texas.

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Media Inquiries:
Mike Berman, SVP Communications and Marketing
Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
512.322.5646
mberman@austinchamber.com