AAPA concerned over U.S. trade tariffs
(Posted on 28/09/18)
With the U.S. government’s announcement last week on the imposition of an additional $200 billion in protective trade tariffs against Chinese imports, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) – the unified and recognized voice of America’s seaports – continues to urge the Administration and federal policymakers to consider the negative impacts that tariffs have on port and other trade-related American jobs nationwide, including the effects of retaliatory responses. The new tariffs take effect on September 24, 2018 with the imposition of a 10 percent tariff which will increase to 25 percent by the end of the year.
“The impact of expanding Section 301 tariffs on cargo and equipment moving through American ports is already proving to be significant,” said AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle, who testified on Aug. 24 on behalf of the ports association during the U.S. Trade Representative’s Section 301 tariff hearings. “Including the additional $200 billion just imposed, the total Section 301 tariffs on Chinese commodities and China’s response in retaliation responses covers about 10 percent of all trade that moves through America’s ports by value, which is concerning. AAPA was pleased, however, to see that port cranes (tariff line 8426.19) were removed from the list, as we recommended at the recent hearings. Tariffs on these cranes, which cost upwards of $14 million each, would have harmed ports’ ability to make the investments necessary to handle the larger vessels now being used in ocean trade and hurt U.S. international competitiveness.”
“Because trade supports everyone, AAPA is encouraging federal policymakers to work swiftly to restore market certainties and forge paths to expand U.S. exports, rather than create new import restrictions,” he added.
At $4.6 trillion a year, the value of cargo activities at America’s seaports are significant drivers of the U.S. economy, supporting more than 23 million American jobs and generating over $320 billion in annual federal, state and local taxes. All but 1 percent of the nation’s overseas trade moves through its maritime facilities.
During the USTR’s Section 301 hearings in late August, AAPA urged that the multi-million-dollar container cranes that U.S. ports have on order and are considering purchasing from Chinese factories, for which there are no American-made alternatives, be exempt from tariffs. USTR did remove tariff line 8426.19 from the final list so these large cranes are not subject to the newly announced tariffs.
Founded in 1912 and recognized as the unified voice of seaports in the Americas, AAPA today represents 140 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 250 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports.
Latest News
NGFA applauds reintroduction of HAULS Act
(Posted on 24/12/25)The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has applauded Senator Deb. Fischer’s (R-Neb.) reintroduction... Read more
Anglo American and Teck receive approval for merger of equals
(Posted on 18/12/25)Anglo American plc and Teck Resources Limited have received regulatory approval from the Government... Read more
Rhodes Ridge $191m feasibility study on Pilbara iron ore mine
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture has approved a $191 million (A$294 million) (Rio Tinto share $96 million... Read more
Strong metals trading as Trafigura publishes annual results
(Posted on 09/12/25)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, a global leader in the commodities industry, has announced its financial results... Read more
Rio Tinto’s Nuton technology produces first copper
(Posted on 09/12/25)Rio Tinto has successfully produced the first copper from the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona using its... Read more
US soy and Uzbekistan sign MoU to expand trade
(Posted on 02/12/25)The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health programme and the... Read more
KNAC and Rio Tinto sign updated agreement
(Posted on 02/12/25)Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC) Registered Native Title Body Corporate and Rio Tinto... Read more
OCI Global announces sale of OCI Ammonia Holding to AGROFERT
(Posted on 02/12/25)OCI Global, a leading global producer and distributor of nitrogen products has announced that it has... Read more
Court of Appeal confirms permit for new steel plant in Luleå
(Posted on 24/11/25)In December 2024, SSAB was granted a permit by the Land and Environment Court at Umeå District... Read more
Simandou partners celebrate start of operations
(Posted on 15/11/25)The President of the Republic of Guinea has joined project partners WCS1, Baowu, Chinalco and Rio Tinto... Read more
