technology group comes out against administration tariff policy

Noting the variety of high-tech products and components from China that will cost more due to the Trump Administration’s recently announced increased tariffs, a prominent technology organization is suggesting a different approach.

“The decision to impose tariffs on Chinese goods will hurt consumers and businesses without addressing discriminatory and systemic Chinese trade practices and policies," said Josh Kallmer, vice president for policy with the Information Technology Industry Council.

In a statement, Kallmer added that, “It is troubling that the Administration continues to assume that the imposition of tariffs will convince China to resolve complex trade issues, and irresponsible to downplay the impact on American workers and businesses.”

The Washington-based ITIC has said that the Administration’s policies will see an increase in the cost of finished products and components, with the greatest impact on the two-lead semiconductor light sources known as light-emitting diodes, printer and scanner components, and sensors.

For the construction industry, the upped tariff on Chinese imports could see increases on equipment parts, thermostats, fuel pumps, and computers.

Altogether, the Trump Administration has indicated that it wants to impose duties on up to $450 billion in Chinese imports, with the first set of duties falling on imports with a dollar value of around $34 billion.

Kallmer is calling instead for a delay on such tariffs “while U.S. officials make a concerted effort to negotiate in coordination with our allies with the Chinese on a concrete list of issues including the implementation timelines and accountability mechanisms.”

In his statement, Kallmer adds: “Too many jobs and livelihoods are at stake to continue escalating this trade war.”

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced that a second round of duties will be announced at the end of August.

By Garry Boulard