November 2022 Volume 4

WASHINGTON UPDATE

In several surveys this summer which served as the foundation of FIA’s testimony, member companies reported Chinese competitors quoting 30-60 percent lower than U.S. forgers. FIA is again surveying members to collect real-time information it can use in association comments to help support our arguments demonstrating the need to keep tariffs on forgings. Those in support of lifting the tariffs will weigh in with USTR using their own set of numbers and claims about the Section 301 action. The Center for Responsive Politics reports that in 2021, Chinese government and non-government entities spent $84.38 million trying to influence policy in Washington, D.C., and U.S. public opinion around the country. This shows how high the stakes are for Beijing, Chinese exporters, and yes, American companies importing goods from China. The stakes are also high for the forging industry as demonstrated by FIA’s most recent member survey conducted in June and August 2022, where 68 percent of respondents reported having “taken on new business fromChina after customer sought to have that product manufactured in the U.S. following imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports.” The benefits of the tariffs could disappear with the stroke of a pen, which is why FIAmembersmust file comments withUSTRbetween November 15 and January 17. If the decision-makers inWashington, D.C. do not hear from the industry, they will assume tariffs on

Chinese forgings lacks support. Now is the time for FIAmembers to speak up for themselves, support the FIA in Washington, D.C. and file comments supporting the continuation of the tariffs on forgings from China. Look out for a call to action from FIA and be sure to raise your voice for the forging industry.

Omar S. Nashashibi is a founding partner at The Franklin Partnership, LLC, a Washington-D.C. based lobbying firm representing the Forging Industry Association before the federal government. Phone: 202-715-1264 Email: omar@franklinpartnership.com www.franklinpartnership.com

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FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2022 7