Powering Performance

Tariffs. The BUILT USA Act (H.R. 9827, introduced Sept. 25 by Rep. Golden, D-Maine) would impose a ten percent tariff on all goods and services imported into the U.S. Each subsequent calendar year this duty would increase or decrease by five percent depending on whether the U.S. maintains a trade deficit or surplus, respectively. 

A biennial report from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative concludes that in the four years since its entry into force the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement “has had significantly positive economic impact on the U.S. and North American auto industry, benefitting producers, suppliers, and workers.” The industry “has largely rebounded from the critical input shortages and supply chain challenges” of the past few years, the report states, and “vehicle and parts producers continue to make significant investments in North American sourcing and production.”

Customs. The Fighting Trade Cheats Act (S. 805, introduced March 15 by Sens. Brown, D-Ohio, and Tillis, R-N.C.) would increase civil penalties (including monetary penalties and bans on importing) for, and improve enforcement with respect to, fraud and gross negligence under 19 USC 1592. The two senators said this bill would allow private companies to sue foreign producers.