Taxing Virtually All Network Equipment Will Hurt U.S. Industry, Warns TIA

Arlington, VA (May 14, 2019) –– The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today issued the following statement after the Office of the U.S Trade Representative proposed levying a duty of up to 25 percent on approximately $300 billion in imported Chinese goods, including a number of key telecom equipment products.

Cinnamon Rogers, TIA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, issued the following statement:

“If list four is implemented, the practical effect in conjunction with earlier rounds of tariffs is that virtually all the equipment used in U.S. telecom networks would be taxed at rates of up to 25 percent. Such a dramatic hike in costs would hurt consumers and businesses alike, imposing a burden on one of the most innovative sectors of the American economy.

“We appreciate the hard work and persistence of U.S. negotiators in seeking to address unfair Chinese trade practices. However, we see a growing long-term risk that tariffs, if left in place, will take a significant toll on the telecom equipment industry and undermine the adoption of new networking technologies in the U.S.”

Contact

Ashley Simmons, 703-907-7704, asimmons@tiaonline.org

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents more than 400 companies that enable high-speed communications networks and accelerate next-generation ICT innovation. Through leadership in U.S. and international advocacy, technology programs and standards development and business performance solutions, TIA and its members are accelerating global connectivity across every industry and market.