Nation’s top retailers voice concern over tariffs

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), issued a warning last week that families and workers in the U.S.  “will be most impacted” by the tariffs targeting consumer products from China, and U.S. exports to the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and China. 

“Americans are caught in the crosshairs of the Administration’s three-front trade war, and they will be the ones paying the price,” said Hun Quach, VP of international trade for RILA in a statement. “The recent onslaught of tariffs will jeopardize manufacturing and agriculture jobs in the U.S., while driving up prices on household items.”

Quach added that retailers support “a level playing field for America” but not by imposing punitive tariffs, and that the RILA will continue to encourage the Administration to focus its trade negotiations on solutions.

Earlier this month, The National Retail Federation told its members that with tariffs against China taking effect, American consumers are “one step closer to feeling the full effects” of a trade war.

“These tariffs will do nothing to protect U.S. jobs, but they will undermine the benefits of tax reform and drive up prices for a wide range of products as diverse as tool sets, batteries, remote controls, flash drives and thermostats,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay told his constituents.

Jonathan Gold, vice president, supply chain and customs policy for the NRF, told LM in an interview that U.S. west coast shippers are particularly vulnerable.

“They are at the tip of the spear when it comes to Asian exports. “We know they are going to be the first to feel the consequences.”