• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Applications
    • Technology
    • Market
    • Other
    • Top 40
    • Buyers Guide
    • Hygiene Directory
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Applications
  • Technology
  • Market
  • Other
  • Top 40
  • Buyers Guide
  • Hygiene Directory
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    Southeast Asia Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Fluff Pulp Market Faces Year of Transition

    Roofing & Construction Report

    Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens

    Sustainability Report

    Spunmelt Nonwovens Update
    Company Cameo
    Financial News
    Machinery Equipment
    New Products
    Nonwovens News
    Patent Review
    People in the News
    Supplier News
    Top News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More

    EDANA Celebrates 50th Anniversary

    INDA Names Three Finalists for WOW Innovation Award

    Proof Launches Reusable Period Products in Walmart Stores

    Purell Healthcare Surface Disinfecting Wipes Launched
    Nonwovens Insights
    Online Exclusives
    Adult Incontinence
    Absorbent Core
    Antimicrobials
    Apparel
    Automotive and Transportation
    Face Masks
    Chemicals / Adhesives
    Construction
    Contract Services
    Diaper, Baby
    Electronics
    Feminine Hygiene
    Fibers
    Filtration
    Flame Retardance
    Geotextile / Agrotextile
    Home Products
    Hygiene Film/Components
    Industrial / Institutional
    Inspection / Quality Control
    Machinery and Equipment
    Medical
    Wipes

    INDA Names Three Finalists for WOW Innovation Award

    Proof Launches Reusable Period Products in Walmart Stores

    Video Bite: Curt G. Joa, Inc. Offers Speed, Quality, and Innovation

    Purell Healthcare Surface Disinfecting Wipes Launched

    Weekly Recap: Codi Introduces Wipes from Recycled Ingredients, U.K. Retailers Ban Plastic-Based Wipes
    Air Through Bonding
    Airlaid
    Carded/Carding
    Chemical Bonded
    Composite
    Meltblown
    Needlepunch
    Nanotechnology
    Spunbond
    Spunbond/Spunmelt
    Spunlace
    Thermal Bonded
    Wetlaid

    Executive Talks: 5K Fibres' President Doug Brown

    Borealis, Grabher Partner to Recycle Face Masks

    Glatfelter, Blue Ocean Closures Receives Sustainability Award at IDEA22

    Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens

    Murtra Nonwovens
    China
    Eastern Europe/Russia
    India
    Middle East/North Africa
    North America
    Pacific Rim
    South/Central America
    Turkey
    Western Europe

    Sub-Saharan Africa’s Specialist Nonwovens and Fibers Capability is Growing Steadily

    Southeast Asian 5 Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

    Chinese Baby Diaper Brands

    Retail Disposable Hygiene in Southeast Asia and China: Growth Outlook, Challenges, Opportunities

    Albarrie Installs Stenter
    Associations
    Contracts / Awards
    Education
    Facilities / Capacity
    Green / Sustainability
    Legal / Regulatory
    Market Data
    Flushability
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Product Improvement / Innovation
    R&D/Basic Research
    Shows / Events

    Rif care Launches Hemp-Based Period Products

    Boots to Prohibit Sale of Plastic-Based Wipes

    Dyper Partners with rePurpose Global to Remove Nearly 100,000 KG of Plastic Waste from Environment

    Borealis, Grabher Partner to Recycle Face Masks

    Suominen Installs Solar Panels at Alicante Plant
    Chart
    Companies
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Schott & Meissner Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH

    Shemesh Automation

    WEIMA America, Inc.

    Pinnacle Converting Equipment & Services

    Bast Fibre Technologies Inc.
    Brands
    Brand Owners
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • Southeast Asia Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Add Your Company
    • Applications
      • Absorbent Core
      • Adult Incontinence
      • Antimicrobials
      • Apparel
      • Automotive and Transportation
      • Chemicals / Adhesives
      • Construction
      • Contract Services
      • Diaper, Baby
      • Electronics
      • Feminine Hygiene
      • Fibers
      • Filtration
      • Flame Retardance
      • Geotextile / Agrotextile
      • Home Products
      • Hygiene Film/Components
      • Industrial / Institutional
      • Inspection / Quality Control
      • Machinery and Equipment
      • Medical
      • Wipes
      • Face Masks
    • Technology
      • Air Through Bonding
      • Airlaid
      • Carded/Carding
      • Chemical Bonded
      • Composite
      • Meltblown
      • Needlepunch
      • Nanotechnology
      • Spunbond
      • Spunlace
      • Thermal Bonded
      • Wetlaid
      • Spunbond/Spunmelt
    • Market
      • China
      • Eastern Europe/Russia
      • India
      • Middle East/North Africa
      • North America
      • Pacific Rim
      • South/Central America
      • Turkey
      • Western Europe
    • Other
      • Associations
      • Contracts / Awards
      • Education
      • Facilities / Capacity
      • Green / Sustainability
      • Legal / Regulatory
      • Market Data
      • Mergers and Acquisitions
      • Product Improvement / Innovation
      • R&D/Basic Research
      • Shows / Events
      • Flushability
    • Top 40 Companies
      • Chart
      • Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Hygiene Directory
      • Brands
      • Brand Owners
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
      • Live From Asian Connections
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Suppliers Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Web Showcase
      • Home Page Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Capitol Comments

    TRUMP’S TRADE WARS: Battling on Multiple Fronts

    New administration policy’s are shaking up global industry.

    Related CONTENT
    • World of Wipes Attendees
    • EUBP Calls Plastics Directives too Vague
    • Canopus Wet Wipes
    • Fibers for Nonwovens
    • 2017 Roll Goods Import and Export Data Released
    Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director at The Franken Group07.06.18
    As a candidate on the campaign trail, Donald Trump made clear that if he won the presidency, trade issues would be an important part of his agenda. He pledged to tear up or renegotiate existing trade agreements that weren’t to his liking and to strictly enforce trade laws. Thus, it came as no surprise when on January 23 just days after the inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which the previous administration had spent years negotiating. What could not have been predicted, however, is that Trump would threaten increased tariffs on some of America’s major trading partners, including close allies, sparking countermeasures and fear of trade wars.

    On March 31, 2017, after almost two months in office, the president signed another executive order directing the USTR and the Department of Commerce to study existing trade relationships and then report on systemic trade abuses and non-reciprocal trade practices that harm domestic industries. The report was to focus on countries with which the United States had a trade deficit and to detail the major causes by country and product.

    The White House has used findings from the report to develop a trade policy which is focused on enforcement and “leveling the playing field,” which includes balancing trade deficits. To that end, the president has announced two sets of tariffs increases currently wreaking havoc in international trade. The first set of increases, on steel and aluminum, were proposed under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Act that allows the president to protect U.S. industry for national security reasons. The second set, on Chinese imports, were sparked by Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, a unilateral measure not used in decades. The president’s pivot to a protectionist trade policy have confounded businesses, created uncertainty at home and abroad, and prompted doubts about Washington’s commitment to free trade.

    President Trump first announced on March 23 that imported steel would be subject to a tariff increase of 25% and aluminum an additional 10%, allegedly to protect domestic industries, which the he deemed critical to national security. However, his administration also granted temporary waivers until June 1 to many American trading partners and used the threat of tariff increases as a bargaining chip in broader trade negotiations.

    Indeed, when the steel and aluminum tariffs were announced, the United States and South Korea had been in the midst of finalizing the renegotiation of their United States-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). On March 27, the countries announced that an agreement in principle had been reached and that South Korea would be permanently exempt from the 25% additional tariff on imported steel products. In exchange, South Korea agreed to reduce its steel exports to the United States by 30%.

    The U.S. initially exempted the EU Canada, and Mexico from the tariffs, but allowed the exemption to expire June 1, on the eve of the G-7 summit in Canada and during a particularly tense renegotiation period of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was “insulting” that Trump cited national security as his reason for increasing tariffs on aluminum and steel from Canada and other long-time allies.

    The G-7 leaders vowed to retaliate with duties on American imports, sparking fears of a broader trade war. The EU has threatened to target politically sensitive products with tariffs, such as Harley Davidson motorcycles, manufactured in Wisconsin the home state of House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Kentucky bourbon, from the home of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

    The steel and aluminum tariffs have also complicating the NAFTA negotiations since August 2017. After the U.S. allowed the exemption to expire, Canada immediately responded that it intended to enact countermeasures and published lists of products that were under consideration for 10% tariff increases, including, of interest to the nonwovens industry, tariff category 4818.20, which includes cosmetic and disposable moist wipes. President Trump has said repeatedly he had no preference between withdrawing from NAFTA entirely, renegotiating NAFTA, or negotiating separate agreements with Canada and Mexico. He has not said what he wants specifically in a revised NAFTA, but that may not matter now, as finalizing an overhauled NAFTA just became even more difficult.

    In April, President Trump first announced that the U.S. would be targeting Chinese imports with additional 25% duties in response to trade practices as alleged in the USTR’s Section 301 investigation report on China. The Section 301 report alleged that China engaged in unreasonable or discriminatory acts that burden or restrict U.S. commerce, specifically the theft of American intellectual property and the compelled transfer of technology. The president also announced plans to restrict Chinese investment in U.S. high-tech industries and to file a World Trade Organization (WTO) settlement dispute against China for discriminatory licensing practices.

    On June 15, the USTR announced it would impose an additional 25% tariff on 818 products imported from China, valued at approximately $34 billion, effective July 6, 2018. Of note to the nonwovens industry, the products include textile and paper manufacturing equipment items. At the same time, the USTR released a second list of 284 products, valued at $16 billion, under consideration for increased tariffs.  The second list contained numerous tariff lines falling under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Chapter 39 described as “plastics and articles thereof,” including various resins, polymers and films which may impact the nonwovens industry. It also contained additional textile and paper manufacturing equipment items categorized under HTS headings 8419 and 8420. The USTR scheduled a hearing on July 24 for stakeholders before additional duties are applied on products from the second list.

    China denied that it has engaged in unfair or illegal trade practices and responded to the June 15 announcement with a list of 659 American products that would be subject to tariffs, expanded from the 106 it originally released in April. Most of the added goods on China’s retaliatory list are agricultural, seafood and energy products. President Trump had said earlier in the day that the U.S. would respond with more yet more tariffs if China retaliated.

    Beijing is imposing its tariffs in two steps, just as Washington is doing, in the same amounts, and on the same dates. On July 6, China will levy duties on $34 billion of U.S. products, covering 545 categories ranging from soybeans, pork, chicken, seafood to sport-utility vehicles and electric vehicles. The agricultural products are from states that supported President Trump in the 2016 election. Next China will implement tariffs on additional $16 billion of U.S. goods, with the effective date to be announced, presumably when the U.S. imposes tariffs on a second list of products.

    American companies have grown increasingly uneasy about Beijing forcing them into joint ventures with Chinese counterparts, resulting in the transfer of competitive technology to Chinese partners. However, they also worry that tariff increases on Chinese goods may not be the solution and could increase business costs and only trigger more and more retaliation from Beijing. The National Association of Manufacturers issued a statement that “tariffs will cause more problems than they solve” and said a bilateral trade deal with China would be a better solution.

    While Republicans have historically supported free trade, they have been mostly quiet while the trade battles brew. Senator Bob Corker (TN-R) accused “the powers that be” in the Senate of blocking his proposed legislation that would limit the president’s power to impose tariffs especially on friendly nations in the name of national security. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned that the tariffs are really taxes on the same Americans the trade policy is intended to help. And the billionaire conservative Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity group has pledged to spend millions of dollars over the next several years to reduce or eliminate President Trump’s trade barriers. Stay tuned because this is just round one.
    Related Searches
    • trade
    • joint ventures
    • technology
    • taxes
    Related Knowledge Center
    • North America
    • Legal/Regulatory
    Suggested For You
    World of Wipes Attendees World of Wipes Attendees
    EUBP Calls Plastics Directives too Vague EUBP Calls Plastics Directives too Vague
    Canopus Wet Wipes Canopus Wet Wipes
    Fibers for Nonwovens Fibers for Nonwovens
    2017 Roll Goods Import and Export Data Released 2017 Roll Goods Import and Export Data Released
    Canopus Wet Wipes Canopus Wet Wipes
    EU Issues Waste Management Directives EU Issues Waste Management Directives
    Flo, Natureworks Collaborate on Compostable Coffee Pod Flo, Natureworks Collaborate on Compostable Coffee Pod
    ANEX 2018: Exhibitor Preview ANEX 2018: Exhibitor Preview
    Hygienika Dystrybucja S.A. Hygienika Dystrybucja S.A.
    ANEX 2018: Conference Session Announced ANEX 2018: Conference Session Announced
    Berry CEO Highlights the Possibilities of Plastics Berry CEO Highlights the Possibilities of Plastics
    TPP 2.0 Negotiations Wind Down:  Japan Wants Spring Closure, Canada Has Concerns, Britain Considers TPP 2.0 Negotiations Wind Down: Japan Wants Spring Closure, Canada Has Concerns, Britain Considers
    Right at Your Fingertips Right at Your Fingertips
    Palomita Palomita

    Related Content

    • World of Wipes Attendees

      ...
      06.21.21

    • Green/Sustainability | Western Europe

      EUBP Calls Plastics Directives too Vague

      Chairman stresses the success of the waste management of bioplastics
      06.05.18

    • Contract Services
      Canopus Wet Wipes

      Canopus Wet Wipes

      ...
      06.01.18


    • Fibers
      Fibers for Nonwovens

      Fibers for Nonwovens

      Sustainable, simplified solutions catch the eye of consumers and producers.
      Karen McIntyre , Editor 06.01.18

    • Market Data
      2017 Roll Goods Import and Export Data Released

      2017 Roll Goods Import and Export Data Released

      New numbers show exports expanded nearly 5% while imports slowed.
      Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director, the Franken Group 06.01.18

      Breaking News
      • Essity Wins Innovation Award at Interclean
      • Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More
      • TSG Finishing Starts Modernization Project
      • Berry Global Sets New Target to Reduce Scope 3 Emissions
      • PCMC and Hudson-Sharp Help Outfit Press & Packaging's New Flexible Packaging Division
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Roofing & Construction Report
      • Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens
      • Sustainability Report
      • Spunbonded/Spunmelt Polypropylene Capacity and Demand Outlook 202
      • Spunmelt Nonwovens Update



      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds
      Leaven Essential to Launch Branded Botanical Extracts to Global Markets
      Lonza Expands Capsugel Capsule Offering with Titanium Dioxide-Free, White Hard Gelatin Capsules
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      PPG Launches HOMAX TEX>>PRO Texture System by PPG
      New Digital Solution from Interpon Helps Customers Bring Colors to Life
      What Are You Reading?
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Study Demonstrates Promise of Pulmonary Congestion Detection Tech
      CardioRenal Raises 3.3 Million Euros
      Japanese Regulators Approve Shockwave Medical's Coronary IVL
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Catalent Introduces UpTempo Virtuoso Platform
      Elicio Therapeutics Enters Clinical Supply Agreement with Regeneron
      Reaction Biology Expands Executive Leadership Team
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      A Look at Machine Gun Kelly's $30K Diamond Mani
      Doja Cat Rocks Glam Makeup & Nails at the Billboard Music Awards
      Maggie Q Launches Beauty Supplement
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection
      Selig Group Names Adam Sheridan Next President
      Lip Shimmer, Powder Sunscreen and Retinol Drive Latest Beauty Searches: Spate
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      INX to Highlight Color Perfection Program, INX University at GulfCan
      Kornit Hosts Kornit Fashion Week London 2022
      Zeller+Gmelin Launches UV-Curable and Water-Based Inkjet Inks
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Essity Wins Innovation Award at Interclean
      Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More
      TSG Finishing Starts Modernization Project
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Denise Pedulla Appointed as Chief Legal Officer at Conformis
      ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 14
      Steven Haddad Joins Extremity Medical as Chief Clinical Officer
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Google Cloud, Saule Technologies and Columbus Energy Begin Strategic Cooperation
      JDI Develops eLEAP, World’s First Maskless Deposition + Lithographic OLED
      Toppan Develops Temperature Logger Label for Long-Distance Transportation

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login