Contrary to popular belief, it is not China who pays the tariff money but it is the U.S. consumer. The tariff is paid to U.S. customs by American distributors, who have to pass that increase to the retail stores, who then pass it to us. Even a White House economic adviser has admitted that both sides (China and the U.S.) will suffer on this. But why should there be tariffs on critical medical equipment?
The makers of Purell hand sanitizer, a private company based in Ohio, asked the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for a tariff exemption last year on parts for their dispensers that they can only get from China. These tariffs cost them $10 million. On March 5th of this year, right in the middle of this pandemic, the USTR denied their request basically stating that it would not cause severe economic harm to their company or other U.S. interests. And yet, 3 weeks later, the tariff was lifted on Apple’s watches and several other products that are not associated with COVID-19.
This is an outrage. Other countries are restricting their exports of medical equipment, making matters worse for Americans. President Trump should give the American public every chance they need to fight this pandemic by allowing medical professionals and hospitals access to the highest quality, lowest cost, and most accessible supplies, from wherever they can be sourced—including China.
What you can do:
Sign the Petition: http://chng.it/g6m55S2z
Contact Info:
Name: CJ Miller
Email: Send Email
Organization: Splendor Activists
Website: http://chng.it/g6m55S2z
Release ID: 88952370