TIA Seeks a Presidential Thumbs-Down on Proposed Tariffs

The Tire Industry Association has reiterated its position regarding Chinese tyres and duties upon them in a letter sent to US President Obama. The TIA has urged the President to reject the recommendation for duties of up to 55 per cent on passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres, as voted upon by the US International Trade Commission on June 29. A copy of this letter was also sent to the United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

In the letter, the TIA argued that the ITC proposed tariffs will not protect US manufacturing jobs and will result in higher prices and fewer choices for customers. It also addressed the possibility of safety issues arising should consumer access to affordable tyres be restricted.

TIA president Roy Littlefield, who referred to the ITC proposal as “ill-conceived”, stated “the bottom line is that it won’t help American workers, and it will only harm American consumers and tyre dealers, many of whom are hard-working, independent businesspeople.” He added that all tyres, regardless of their country of origin, should be subject to the same safety standards.