US shippers applaud passage of liberalising tariff bill

US SHIPPERS have praised the passage in the Senate of the US Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010 that will provide relief to American companies importing products not otherwise available in the country

Also called the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (HR 4380), the legislation now awaits presidential ratification before it becomes law. Rebates are available from January 1, reports American Shipper, adding that companies have 180 days from enactment to file reimbursement for duties paid from the first of the year to the date of enactment.

"We are extremely pleased the bill passed through both houses of Congress," said Marianne Rowden, president and CEO of the American Association of Exporters and Importers. "Many of our members had duty suspensions pending in this bill. It will cut the cost of doing business in the United States and help drive more US exports."

Said National Association of Manufacturers CEO John Engler: "Manufacturers of all sizes use these vital tariff suspensions to obtain raw materials, proprietary inputs and other products that are not available in our nation. Without them, the costs of these companies' products will inevitably increase, forcing them to pass on these costs to consumers. This hinders competitiveness and translates into lost jobs for American workers."

Said Outdoor Industry Association CEO Frank Hugelmeyer: "After President Obama's signature, outdoor companies will again see cost savings that will allow them to invest in the product innovations that drive our industry, support the millions of jobs they create and support across the country and lower retail prices on specialty outdoor products for the American people."

The bill contains several outdoor products, including extensions of several duty suspensions on waterproof breathable footwear and includes ski and snowboard equipment and footwear, and bicycle parts and accessories.
(Source:www.schednet.com)