The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) recently said it was happy with the White House’s decision to extend for an additional 30 days the exemption from steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.
MEMA also said it is pleased tentative agreements have been reached with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil.
In February, MEMA sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing support for free, fair, and reciprocal trade. The association also supports global business and said it felt tariffs would result in economic uncertainty.
“Uncertainty for our members puts businesses – and jobs—at risk,” MEMA said. “If a company is importing steel or aluminum from non-exempted countries, they are paying a tariff now, even if they have filed for an exclusion. That means potential tariffs tie up millions of dollars that a business would rather invest in U.S. facilities and people. American businesses need a clear and predictable business environment to thrive in a global marketplace.”
MEMA offered ways to alleviate the tariff burden and the related exclusions process.
These suggestions include allowing trade associations to apply for exclusions on behalf of the entire industry, simplifying and streamlining the application process, and reducing confusion by allowing exclusions on the application form from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule code.