Hatch Statement on Additional $200 Billion in Tariffs Under Section 301

Utah Senator Says, “Although I have supported the administration’s targeted efforts to combat China’s technology transfer regime, tonight’s announcement appears reckless and is not a targeted approach.”

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today released the following statement regarding the administration’s announcement that additional tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese products will be imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974:

“Although I have supported the administration’s targeted efforts to combat China’s technology transfer regime, tonight’s announcement appears reckless and is not a targeted approach. We cannot turn a blind eye to China’s mercantilist trade practices, but this action falls short of a strategy that will give the administration negotiating leverage with China while maintaining the long-term health and prosperity of the American economy.”

In June, when the administration announced tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese products, Hatch expressed concerns with the impact, which could harm American businesses and consumers.

Background: A longtime advocate of establishing enforceable international rules for U.S. firms and workers doing business overseas, Hatch has fought to strengthen intellectual property rights (IPR) standards around the globe. Hatch authored legislation to increase U.S. enforcement of American IPR overseas, including improvements to the Special 301 mechanism and the establishment of a Chief Intellectual Property Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Hatch also spearheaded efforts in Congress to enact bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to help open more markets for U.S. exports and strengthen IPR protections in U.S. trade agreements, and he led enactment of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016. 

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