Time running out for industry to have say on Chinese tariffs
Posted on January 21st, 2023The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has warned the tackle industry that time is running out to make its voice heard on punitive Chinese tariffs.
In 2019, additional tariffs were placed on a number of sportfishing products from China, including reels valued over $8.45, hooks, line, leaders and artificial baits. The ASA continues to argue that these tariffs are particularly damaging to the industry, given that it already pays an excise tax that helps fund the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) is soliciting feedback by inviting public comment on the effectiveness of the tariffs, other actions that could be taken and the effect of the actions on the US economy, including consumers. And with the comment period ending on January 17th, the ASA is encouraging anyone in the industry who has been impacted to participate in this important process.
The comment portal can be accessed here and includes questions about the impact on small businesses, manufacturing, supply chains, technology and workers.
It also examines tariff inversions, where additional tariffs on goods are lower than the additional tariffs on imports used to produce those goods.
“This could be the first step in rebalancing China tariffs,” says a press release from the ASA. “The process could result in increases, decreases or elimination of the tariffs. Your comments could help impact future actions taken by USTR.”
Mel Bagnall-Angling International
Make sure to check the fishing videos on our Italo Labignan YouTube channel and if you have any questions just email them to me at Ask Italo throughout our www.canadian-sportfishing.com website.
