Statement Regarding the U.S. Trade Representative's Decision to Apply 12.5% Tariffs to Israel After Hearing Testimony from A New Policy's Josh Paul
A New Policy welcomes the determination of the U.S. Trade Representative that Israel has "failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor," leading the U.S. to impose a broad 12.5% tariff to goods coming from Israel. In levying the tariff, the USTR noted that the decision took into account "the public comments, testimony, and the advice of the Section 301 Committee." A New Policy was the only organization to testify before the US Trade Commission 301 Committee in support of applying tariffs to Israel.
As Josh Paul told the U.S. International Trade Commission in his testimony, "U.S. trade enforcement mechanisms exist to protect the U.S. market by preventing foreign producers from undercutting American firms through the important [importation] of goods produced with forced labor, which artificially lowers costs and confers an unfair competitive advantage. Stronger measures are needed to protect fair competition, incentivize supply chain transparency, strengthen prohibitions on goods produced with forced labor, and better align U.S. trade policy with UN rights commitments and with the interests of the American worker."
Following the USTR Announcement, Josh Paul said: "Tariffs are often rightly decried as a blunt instrument. But when a trading partner exercises an unfair advantage - particularly because they have failed to take appropriate steps to prevent forced labor products from entering their supply chain - it is entirely correct for the U.S. to use its economic tools and might to press for change, and to protect American industry and the American worker."
Contact:
202.770.0055
About A New Policy
Relying on foundational American values as our guiding principles, A New Policy promotes a hopeful, forward-looking vision that advances liberty, equality and human rights in Israel and Palestine.
As a nondenominational, nonsectarian, nonpartisan American organization, A New Policy educates members of Congress on related foreign policy, legislative, and regulatory matters, and lobbies government officials to urgently pursue long-overdue policies that reflect our American values, interests, and voter preferences, as well as comply with U.S. laws. A New Policy works in partnership with organizations across the political spectrum to bring together a large American constituency for change.
For more information, visit https://anewpolicy.org/
