Toomey asks Trump Administration to exempt Pennsylvanians from tariffs

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U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) recently sent letters to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer on behalf of 13 companies with facilities in Pennsylvania that have filed or intend to file exclusion petitions with USTR.

The Trump Administration began imposing a 25 percent tariff July 6 on $50 billion worth of goods from China, and Pennsylvania manufacturers have been paying the tax on certain component parts. Companies can request an exclusion if a domestic firm cannot meet the demand for a necessary item.

“While USTR’s tariffs are meant to target some Chinese imports that benefit from Beijing’s industrial policies, such as the ‘Made in China 2025′ initiative, many of these tariffs will have a pronounced negative effect for American manufacturers,” Toomey said. “Section 301 tariffs are direct taxes on American consumers and producers. They directly reduce American purchasing power, curtail freedom, impede job creation, and limit production.”

The letters urged the Administration to consider exempting the companies from another set of counterproductive and costly tariffs. They also urged the Administration to conduct a full and fair review of all exclusion petitions by Pennsylvania companies.

Approval would help American employers remain competitive globally, Toomey said.

Toomey co-sponsored a bill that would require congressional approval of tariffs.