From OIA:
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) applauded the introduction of the miscellaneous tariff bill (MTB) (H.R. 2708) in the United States House of Representatives this week. The MTB, or the U.S. Job Creation and Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2013, suspends import tariffs on products that have no domestic manufacturing.
MTBs have saved outdoor industry companies more than $30 million since 2006, allowing investments in U.S jobs, American innovation and lower retail prices for consumers.
“The MTB is an extremely important bill for the outdoor industry and has saved millions of dollars for our members,” said Kirk Bailey, Vice President of Government Affairs for OIA. “Without the MTB, outdoor manufacturers could be penalized with as much as a 38 percent cost increase, despite the fact that there is no viable domestic manufacturing. Worse, such cost hikes would have a detrimental impact on retail sales. We look forward to working with members of the U.S House of Representatives to get this legislation passed as soon as possible.”
OIA pursues a balanced trade agenda that represents the interests of our members that import their products as well as those that manufacture outdoor products in the United States. OIA worked closely with its members to ensure the MTB would not harm U.S manufacturing while achieving maximum economic benefits for those outdoor companies that make products that are eligible for tariff suspensions under the legislation.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Dave Camp (R-MI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Charles Rangel (D-NY). When enacted, the MTB is intended to help U.S. outdoor businesses better compete in the increasingly competitive global economy.
Outdoor industry businesses that are interested in learning more about how the MTB can benefit their business should contact OIA government affairs staff at [email protected].
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information, go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353
