NEMA Managing Director of Global Policy Fred Fischer today issued the following statement after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it will delay the implementation of increased Section 301 tariffs beyond August 1, 2024:

“NEMA has long welcomed the Administration’s efforts to address China’s acts, policies, and practices of concern. Our previous comments on the Administration’s proposed Section 301 tariffs process expressed support for the Administration’s enforcement goals while urging a balanced approach that maintains domestic supply chains and competitiveness.

“U.S. electrical manufacturers have one of the most complex global supply chains of any industry, and we have encouraged USTR to prioritize transparency, deliberation, and careful consideration in making decisions about tariff policy that will impact domestic production.

“We welcome USTR’s announcement that it will delay implementation of impactful Section 301 tariff increases to allow adequate time to consider the 1,100 public comments it received from concerned parties. NEMA made such a request in its public comments. USTR’s proposal to increase Section 301 tariffs on $20.5 billion of imported manufactured goods from China will impact many industry sectors – perhaps none more significantly than the electroindustry, as electroindustry goods account for 71.3% of the higher Section 301 tariffs.

“NEMA members are leading the transition to an all-electric future by strengthening domestic manufacturing of clean energy and advanced technology goods. We encourage USTR and the Administration to take this opportunity to carefully review these public comments and take a measured approach to implementing a tariff regime that may have an outsize effect on manufacturing competitiveness and the energy transition.”