Industry associations have voiced their concerns over the Biden administration’s decision to widen Section 301 tariffs, a move that the White House has defended as a strategy to boost domestic technology manufacturing and counteract what it views as “unfair trade practices” by China.

The newly proposed tariffs, encompassing a range of goods such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar cells, and certain medical products, will be implemented alongside the continuation of previous Section 310 tariffs, as per the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.

Despite the opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback to the USTR on the proposed tariffs in the coming week, several trade associations and market analysts have already expressed their opposition.

Here’s what industry leaders have had to say on the matter:

President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, Jay Timmons, expressed worry about the potential impact of these tariffs on manufacturers’ ability to produce essential goods, especially if crucial inputs become scarce and more expensive. Timmons urged the administration to negotiate new trade agreements worldwide and establish a new, comprehensive, and transparent 301 exclusion process to prevent American manufacturing from being disadvantaged by its own government.

Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, described the decision to extend Section 301 tariffs on a wide range of apparel, footwear, accessories, and textiles as a severe setback for American consumers and manufacturers. He criticized the Biden administration for failing to correct a flawed tariff policy, despite acknowledging its shortcomings.

Blake Harden, Vice President of International Trade at the Retail Industry Leaders Association, expressed deep disappointment at the Biden administration’s decision to continue using broad-based tariffs, calling it a detriment to American businesses and consumers.

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