The Vision Council comments on third list of Chinese Tariffs – United State Trade Representative

On Sept. 6th, The Vision Council, on behalf of its members and the U.S. optical industry at large, submitted comprehensive comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) opposing the proposed imposition of a 25 percent tariff on imports from China through the so-called Third List of Chinese Tariffs. We thank the members who helped shape our position by providing information and feedback to Rick Van Arnam, The Vision Council’s regulatory affairs counsel, on this topic.
Based on member responses, The Vision Council submitted comments relating to two products – and cleaning solutions. As noted in the news outlets, the Trump Administration identified China’s theft of technology as a basis for imposing these tariffs. The Vision Council’s comments addressed how the manufacturing of cleaning solutions and cases is not dependent on significant technologies, intellectual property or know how. Therefore, imposing a tariff on such products does nothing to ameliorate the underlying problem. The comments make clear to the USTR that these tariffs will hurt U.S. business and increase the overall price that Americans will pay for their eyewear product needs. To view these letters in their entirety, please visit www.thevisioncouncil.org/USTR.
Again, The Vision Council would like to thank our members for providing valuable information used in preparing our comments to the USTR. To learn the latest on the China tariff situation, please plan to attend the Government and Regulatory Update session leading up to Vision Expo West on Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. in the Sands Expo Room 405/406. To register for this session please click here.
The Vision Council continues to closely monitor this evolving situation and will be providing regular updates to membership as they occur. Please continue to contact The Vision Council’s regulatory affairs counsel, Rick Van Arnam, at rvanarnam@barnesrichardson.com with any questions or concerns on this matter.