Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today commented on the Trump Administration’s announcement that it will delay until December 15 its implementation of a ten percent tariff on certain items placed on its proposed List 4, including laptops, mobile devices, and other essential tech products, while moving forward on September 1 with an additional 10 percent tariff on other products.
“The administration’s decision to delay implementing this round of tariffs is welcome news, as tariffs are taxes on American consumers and businesses. However, the optimal solution is to end these tariffs altogether, resolve this costly trade war, and pursue other means of holding China accountable for its unfair trade practices and theft of U.S. intellectual property,” said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore. “Robust job creation and economic growth in the U.S. requires certainty and consistency when it comes to public policy. Unfortunately, entrepreneurs and businesses have been left without either of these because of tariffs. That is neither sustainable nor a way to grow the economy.
“We will continue to highlight the negative impact tariffs have on consumers, our economy, and America’s global innovation leadership.”
Earlier this month, TechNet urged the Trump administration to reconsider these new tariffs.
In June, TechNet testified before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Section 301 Committee on its Investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation, outlining the adverse effects additional tariffs would have on the American innovation industry and the broader U.S. economy. Those comments can be viewed here.