Flooring Players Set to Testify at Chinese Tariff Hearings This Week

Washington, DC, August 22, 2018-The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is holding public hearings regarding proposed tariffs on approximately $200 billion worth of Chinese products, and floorcovering industry players are testifying both in support of and in opposition to the tariffs. Hearings began August 20 and will continue today as well as August 23, 24 and 27.

Mohawk, Congoleum and the Tile Council of North America are testifying in support of the tariffs.

Shaw, Milliken, MSI, Bedrosians and the American Consumers and Workers Justice Coalition are testifying against the tariffs, as will the American Chemistry Council and the National Retail Federation. The American Consumers and Workers Justice Coalition represents 50 flooring manufactures and distributors.

The hearings take place at the U.S. International Trade Commission (500 E Street SW, DC).

The proposed tariffs are a supplemental action in response to China’s unfair trade practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation, based on the findings in USTR’s investigation of China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Tariffs on $34 billion in goods from China are currently in effect, and tariffs on an additional $16 billion will take effect on August 23.

The public hearings are being held at 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST today to August 24 and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on August 27.

Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of this Chinese tariff debate as it relates to floorcovering on FloorDaily.net and Floor Focus magazine.

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