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CHANGE THE CHANNEL POLITICS • STABLE TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAMMES ARE CRITICAL TO US ECONOMIC RECOVERY UNDER THE NEW ADMINISTRATION, SAYS ERIC R BYER, NACD’S PRESIDENT/CEO
distributors account for nearly $20bn in total economic output and provide more than 80,000 jobs. But that engine – and many other industries that depend on competitive trade policies – could be at risk of stalling. “With the expiration of two critical trade programmes and the expected shifts in policies with the new administration, NACD is sounding the alarm on behalf of our members and advocating for programmes that support the industry, not stymie it,” Byer insists.
“IT’S A NEW year, and we have a new administration. But unfortunately, many of the same international trade issues from recent years remain unresolved,” says Eric R Byer, president and CEO of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD). Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the change of president and in an uncertain economic environment, he has some advice and a lengthy wishlist. “Understandably, much of this stalemate
programmes to provide essential products and support local businesses. “Designated by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an essential infrastructure and workforce, chemical distribution plays a vital role in providing critical chemical inputs for the energy sector, water treatment, food supply, pharmaceuticals and much more. But chemical distributors’ ability to ensure that these products are moving within the supply chain efficiently, and at
PROGRAMMES IN REVIEW The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) programmes were designed to provide duty-free tariff treatment to certain products for an established amount of time. “These preference programmes may not be exclusively focused on the chemical distribution industry but both reduce costs for importers which, by extension, support good-paying jobs for our members. Unfortunately, federal authorization
can be attributed to Congress’ primary focus on providing Americans with Covid-19 relief as the pandemic continues to ravage communities and stifle economic recovery. However, it cannot be overstated how much the entire American supply chain, including the chemical distribution industry, rely on effective trade
a competitive cost, depends on sound and stable trade policies. “Chemical distribution may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about America’s essential infrastructure or the economy, but the industry is a significant economic engine for our country. Chemical
for both MTB and GSP expired December 31, 2020, which means importers must now pay tariffs on goods that previously carried no tariffs or tariffs that were greatly reduced. “While we are hopeful that the Biden administration will take a strong stance on the need to expedite renewal, the
HCB MONTHLY | MARCH 2021
