Retail Federation Commends Trump
The tariff increases set for January have been put on hold… temporarily, according to National Retail Federation (NRF) president and CEO Matthew Shay. “We commend President Trump for his efforts to restore a fair and balanced trade relationship with China,” stated Shay in response to the Trump administration’s decision to hold off on tariff increases.
“The administration’s decision to give diplomacy a chance and at least temporarily avoid the imposition of increased and additional tariffs is an encouraging sign. It is clear the administration has heard the voices of those negatively impacted by existing tariffs. We hope this 90-day tariff pause will lead to a positive resolution that removes tariffs altogether and improves US-China trade relations.”
NRF joined a coalition of 150 organizations representing retailers, manufacturers, tech companies and agricultural interest in sending a letter to the White House urging the Trump administration to continue negotiations with China and forgo the January 2019 tariff increase.
“Retailers are pleased by this progress,”claimed NRF’s Shay. “At the same time, uncertainty over the future of NAFTA remains. To protect American jobs and critical North American supply chains, the administration should continue to work through the process until a modernized, trilateral agreement is approved by Congress.”
Does this buy enough time for the motorcycle industry suppliers to develop alternative sourcing to Chinese Mainland suppliers? Time, and Trump, will tell.