CTA Statement on USTR Section 301 and White House De Minimis Announcements
September 13, 2024
The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® regarding trade and tariff announcements from the White House and the U.S. Trade Representative:
“Today's announcement by the U.S. Trade Representative to increase the Section 301 tariff rates on imports from China restricts the ability of American businesses to compete in the global marketplace and are simply taxes that Americans pay.
“We are also disappointed in the tariff rate increase to 25% on non-EV lithium-ion batteries, which will directly harm consumers. We call on USTR to reconsider this decision before the implementation date of January 1, 2026. Addressing unfair trade practices in China is an essential goal for any administration but imposing higher tariffs risks damaging our own economy and may provoke consumer backlash and unintended consequences.
“The White House also announced revisions to the de minimis rule, which lets companies import products with a value of $800 of less without paying a tariff, but is being abused by overseas marketplaces. We support companies’ ability to use this important channel to import prototypes of products that consumer tech firms have innovated and designed in the United States. And we are mindful that applying Section 301 tariffs on products eligible for de minimis treatment will lead to higher prices for consumers and impact inflation. We look forward to playing a constructive role in the rule making process.”
About Consumer Technology Association
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA® is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
“Today's announcement by the U.S. Trade Representative to increase the Section 301 tariff rates on imports from China restricts the ability of American businesses to compete in the global marketplace and are simply taxes that Americans pay.
“We are also disappointed in the tariff rate increase to 25% on non-EV lithium-ion batteries, which will directly harm consumers. We call on USTR to reconsider this decision before the implementation date of January 1, 2026. Addressing unfair trade practices in China is an essential goal for any administration but imposing higher tariffs risks damaging our own economy and may provoke consumer backlash and unintended consequences.
“The White House also announced revisions to the de minimis rule, which lets companies import products with a value of $800 of less without paying a tariff, but is being abused by overseas marketplaces. We support companies’ ability to use this important channel to import prototypes of products that consumer tech firms have innovated and designed in the United States. And we are mindful that applying Section 301 tariffs on products eligible for de minimis treatment will lead to higher prices for consumers and impact inflation. We look forward to playing a constructive role in the rule making process.”
About Consumer Technology Association
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA® is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.