Bipartisan Trade Bill Brings U.S. Customs System into 21st Century

Streamlines Customs Procedures & Boosts Opportunities for American Job Creators

This week the Senate is poised to take up bipartisan legislation to bring the U.S. customs system into the 21st century and streamline procedure and clearance process at the border to help keep American job creators competitive around the globe.

Whether it’s a local manufacturer, small business owner, or individual entrepreneur, American businesses need to exploit global supply chains so they can access the best inputs, add the most value to products, and ship their goods around the world as efficiently as possible.

And the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act does just that. Specifically, the legislation authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and puts in place tools to facilitate the efficient movement of legitimate trade and travel, while strengthening trade enforcement at the border.

It marks the first congressional action to modernize America’s customs system in more than 20 years and has garnered the support of industries, businesses, and stakeholders across the country.

Here’s a look at what they are saying:

MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS: “Easing barriers to international trade and shipping is a top priority for Etsy sellers, and the customs bill does just that. We, along with our community of creative micro-entrepreneurs, applaud this Congress’ leadership on international trade.” (Chad Dickerson, CEO of Etsy 12/9/15)

MANUFACTURERS: “…providing much-needed guidance and statutory authority to automate and modernize U.S. customs operations to eliminate red tape and reduce trade delays that affect manufacturers.” (Aric Newhouse, Senior Vice President Policy and Government Relations, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) 12/10/15)

BUSINESSES: “This legislation would facilitate trade, improve customs enforcement, advance government agency cooperation, enhance enforcement of intellectual property rights, and set the global standard for border management.” (R. Bruce Josten, U.S. Chamber of Commerce 12/10/15)

SHIPMENT INDUSTRY: “…includes important provisions to simplify customs procedures for low-value shipments and enable more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the U.S. to start exporting.” (Laura Lane, Global Public Affairs President, UPS 12/11/15)

SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY: “As one of the nation’s top exporting industries, with over 80 percent of industry sales overseas, the semiconductor industry depends on the efficient movement of goods in and out of the U.S., which will be advanced by this legislation.” (John F. Neuffer, President & CEO of Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) 12/10/15)

STEEL INDUSTRY: “… a high priority for the steel industry because it would give the domestic industry and its workers the ability to petition U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to take action when there is evidence that foreign companies are evading the payment of duties intended to offset injurious dumping and subsidies.” (Thomas J. Gibson, President & CEO of the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) 12/9/15)

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