ITI: Temporary Deferral of Tariff Collection Allows Continued Focus on Response Effort, Should Extend to Tariffs on Chinese Goods
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI issued the following statement after President Trump temporarily deferred collection of certain estimated duties, taxes, and fees due to COVID-19:
“The President’s action to defer collection of select tariffs for certain importers is an important step in providing businesses with the necessary liquidity to address the challenges presented by COVID-19,” said Jason Oxman, ITI President and CEO. “While we welcome the President’s action to alleviate tariff burdens on some U.S. industry and consumers as a means to support the U.S. economic and public health response to the outbreak, we urge more expansive action for the more than $370 billion of goods subject to Section 301 tariffs. Deferring payment on these tariffs would provide much-needed flexibility and facilitate the delivery of assets to U.S. healthcare providers, companies, and consumers during the current public health crisis.”
Earlier in April, ITI published a blog post urging the Trump administration to use existing trade tools, including tariff reductions and supply chain access, to help stem the economic and health consequences of COVID-19.