WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (KY-02) introduced four bills earlier this month to temporarily suspend tariff and duty treatment on several chemicals currently imported to North America, necessary for operations at manufacturing facilities including Arch Chemicals in Brandenburg, KY.

 

“The bills that I have introduced will help manufacturers better compete in domestic and international markets by reducing costs on product materials that are not currently available in the United States,” said Lewis. “Tariff and duty suspensions reduce costs for American businesses, increasing market fairness and competition.” 

 

Lewis, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, filed the bills to ensure their inclusion in a comprehensive trade bill that will be considered next year. Lewis’ Subcommittee has jurisdiction over legislation that amends the U.S. tariff schedule and makes any corrections to existing trade legislation. 

 

"On behalf of all of our employees at our performance products plant in Brandenburg, Kentucky, we at Arch Chemicals are deeply grateful that Congressman Ron Lewis has introduced legislation that would temporarily suspend steep tariffs on a vital product that we must import since it is no longer made anywhere in America," said Rick Walden, Vice President, Performance Products.  "By helping lower our costs, this legislation would help protect jobs and enhance the viability of our plant."

 

Arch Chemicals imports Polycaprolactone, one of four chemicals addressed in Lewis’ legislation, for resale to major customers in North America. Arch Chemicals is the largest private-sector employer in Meade County, KY.

 

The Subcommittee will request public comment on Lewis’ legislation as part of their initial consideration.  Each bill will be subject to review and analysis from the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. International Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection before becoming law.

 

 

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