Several business activity industry associations have joined a coalition of more than 300 groups opposing tariffs on newly imposed Chinese-made ships in U.S. ports.
The Exhibition and Conference Alliance (ECA) and its six partners have signed a letter from U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer. It urged the government to reconsider tariffs on Chinese ships. ECA is an alliance of business activities industry associations.
“Tariffs increase costs for business and professional event organizers, exhibitors and attendees. In addition, they particularly harm small businesses, which account for 99% of U.S. corporate and professional event industry companies, and 80% of all exhibitors,” said Tommy Goodwin, vice president of ECA. “That’s why the ECA strongly opposes such tariffs, which will negatively impact our ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, enhance small businesses’ capacity and help solve our most pressing social challenges.”
Signatories include the Association of Exhibition Services and Contractors, the Association of Experience Designers and Producers; the International Association of Exhibitions and Events; the International Association of Venue Managers; the Society of Independent Performance Organizers; and UFI – Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
Business Activities Association joins an extensive alliance
They join a wide range of importers, exporters, manufacturers, farmers, energy providers, wholesalers and logistics companies to warn of serious economic impacts.
“We support a review of China’s efforts to dominate the marine industry,” the letter stated. “However, the actions proposed by the USTR will not stop China’s broader maritime ambitions, but will directly harm American businesses and consumers.”
USTR did not respond to a request for comment from the Skift meeting.
The groups urged USTR to abandon its proposed tariffs targeting China’s strategic investments in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding industries.
On February 21, USTR issued a statement asking for comment on the proposed “Article 301 Investigation of China’s ruling sectors in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors.”
Chinese ships may face substantial costs
Under tariffs, Chinese-owned ships will face up to $1 million per entrance, while Chinese-made ships will be charged $1.5 million per port visit.
“Specifically, the USTR proposed fees will increase shipping costs, containers and dehomes, increasing at least 25% ($600 to $800 or more), increasing annual fees for approximately $30 billion for U.S. businesses and farmers. This will result in higher prices for U.S. consumers and promote competitiveness of many U.S. exports, which will keep increasing U.S. export investments, which will keep increasing U.S. trading volumes, which will increase U.S. competitiveness, the company’s competition range is the competitiveness of U.S. consumers, the letter said.
