For more information on pursuing trade policy interests through the legislative process, please contact Nicole Bivens Collinson at (202) 730-4956 or via email.
Tariffs. The Senate failed April 30 to pass S.J.Res. 49, which would have terminated the national emergency declared to imposed “reciprocal” tariffs on imports from virtually all countries.
Shipping. The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act (S. 1536, introduced April 30 by Sens. Kelly, D-Ariz., and Young, R-Ind., and H.R. 3151, introduced May 1 by Reps. Kelly, R-Miss., and Garamendi, D-Calif.) aims to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. Trade-related provisions include the following.
- adjusting existing import duties to make cargo imported on U.S.-flagged vessels more competitive
- increasing the 50 percent duty on vessel repairs made in foreign shipyards to 200 percent for repairs made in countries of concern (i.e., China) and 70 percent for repairs made in other countries
- requiring ten percent of all cargo imported from China be imported on U.S.-flagged vessels within 15 years
- imposing a new penalty on vessels owned or operated by China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea as well as vessel owners who conduct significant amounts of business with the China State Shipbuilding Corporation
- enhancing the Federal Maritime Commission’s authority to prevent foreign countries and foreign flag operators from carrying out unfair trade practices for cargo vessels
- requiring the FMC to report annually on the competitiveness of U.S. vessels in foreign commerce
- requiring a report on the feasibility of providing tax benefits, modified import duties, and other maritime privileges to companies that choose to move commercial cargo aboard U.S. vessels
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced related measures that will begin taking effect this fall. S. 1536 would use the funds collected as a result of those measures to create a Maritime Security Trust Fund to provide a dedicated source of funding for critical maritime security programs.
Nominations. The Senate Finance Committee approved April 29 the nomination of William Kimmitt to serve as under secretary of commerce for international trade.
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