Retailers Response to Biden-Harris China Trade Policy

Austen Jensen, senior vice president, government affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association, issued the following statement in response to United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s speech outlining the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to the bilateral U.S. China trade relationship:

“Retailers appreciate Ambassador Katherine Tai’s acknowledgement that certain Section 301 tariffs have not generated any strategic benefits and instead raised costs on Americans. We implore the Biden-Harris administration to pursue a trade strategy with China that better aligns with our nation’s goals and objectives without punishing American retailers and consumers with higher taxes.

“As retailers navigate the challenges of global supply chains made more complex by the ongoing pandemic, it’s critical that the tools used in our trade relationships be effective, precise, and intentional. Sec. 301 tariffs have cost consumers more than $350 billion since 2018 and have yielded little strategic benefits. Retailers urge Ambassador Tai and the Biden-Harris administration to work towards eliminating existing tariffs as they move to realign our trade relationship with China.”

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

Tags
  • International Trade
  • Public Policy
  • Retail Works for All of Us
  • Supply Chain
  • Supporting Free Markets and Fostering Innovation

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