RILA Warns Against Tariff Increase

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement in response to the announcement Friday evening from U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer that the President has ordered the USTR to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China, which are valued at approximately $300 billion. This is in addition to the increase that went into effect today which increased the level of tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on approximately $200 billion worth of Chinese imports.

"The Administration's decision to announce a tax on every product coming  from China puts America's entire economy at risk. No product category will be spared if this latest threat materializes. Food and home goods, clothing and shoes, toys and electronics - Americans' entire shopping cart will get more expensive."

"Retailers have long held out hope that President Trump would negotiate a trade deal that checks Chinese anti-competitive practices and intellectual property theft. But a massive increase in tariffs does not correct Chinese bad behavior, it punishes American families."

"Tariffs are taxes, and if this latest threat takes effect this will likely be the largest tax increase on consumers in American history."

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, andpromote operational excellenceand innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.