A long list of the largest U.S. retailers today sent a letter to President Trump outlining their concerns about the negative impact trade tariffs can have on American families. The letter was sent a day after dozens of trade associations and companies sent a similar letter. (Companies and associations listed at bottom of page.)
Stat | The overwhelming majority of retailers are small businesses, with more than 98 percent of all retail companies employing fewer than 50 people. (American Retail Federation)
The retailers warned that the President’s trade tariffs on steel and aluminum could lead to widespread tariffs on consumer goods, like electronics, apparel, footwear, and home goods. The retailers asked the President to consider the impact on working families before taking action.
Quote from the retailer’s letter
“We are concerned about the negative impact as you consider remedial actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act could have on America’s working families … Applying any additional broad-based tariff would worsen this inequity and punish American working families with higher prices on household basics like clothing, shoes, electronics, and home goods. As you continue to investigate harmful technology and intellectual property practices, we ask that any remedy carefully consider the impact on consumer prices. We must do right by American families while also addressing harmful technology practices.”
Sandy Kennedy, president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, said that imposed tariffs could set the industry back. “This is not American industries crying wolf. Higher tariffs will mean higher costs to businesses and in turn higher prices for American families. After a major tax reform victory, widespread tariffs on everyday consumer goods will wipe out much of the benefits realized by the average American household. We must do right by American families, and make sure they are not the ones who will pay for China’s harmful technology practices.”
“Tariffs are a hidden tax on Americans – plain and simple. More than 41 percent of clothing, 72 percent of footwear, and 84 percent of travel goods sold in the U.S. are made in China. A tariff on these products would be a tax on every American. In addition to increasing costs for American families, this action could result in retaliatory tariffs that target American businesses, resulting in job losses. At the end of the day, this could be disastrous for American families, American workers, and American businesses,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.”
Retailers that signed the letter to Trump
Abercrombie & Fitch Co
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
AutoZone
Best Buy
Big Lots
Chico’s FAS, Inc
Columbia Sportswear
Costco
Dollar Tree
Gap Inc
Haverty’s Furniture Co
JCPenney
JOANN Stores LLC
Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc
Ikea North America Services, LLC
Levi Strauss and Co
Macy’s
Oxford Industries, Inc
Qurate Retail Group
Sears Holdings
Target
The Michaels Companies
VF Corporation
Walmart
Wolverine Worldwide
Trade associations that signed letter to Trump
Agriculture Transportation Coalition
Airforwarders Association
Allied for Startups
American Apparel & Footwear Association
AutoCare Association
CAWA Auto Parts
Coalition of New England Companies for Trade
Columbia River Customs & Forwarders
Computer and Communications Industry Association
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of Northern California
Developers Alliance
Fashion Accessory Shippers (FASA)
Gemini Shippers Association
Grocery Manufacturers Association
Home Furnishings Association
Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
International Wood Products Association
Internet Association
Los Angeles Customs Brokers
National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America
National Foreign Trade CouncilNational Retail Federation
NY/NJ Forwarders and Brokers Association
North American Meat Institute
Outdoor Industry Association
Pacific Northwest Asia Shippers Association
Promotional Products Association International
Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
Snowsports Industries America
Specialty Crop Trade Council
Sports and Fitness Industry
Tea Association of the U.S.A., Inc.
TechNet
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
The APP Association (ACT)
The Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders
The Toy Association
Travel Goods Association (TGA)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Council for International Business
U.S. Fashion Industry Association
U.S. Hide, Skin, and Leather Association
Wine and Spirits Shippers Association
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