Moolenaar Welcomes President Trump's Decision to Impose Tariffs on the PRC, Close De Minimis Loophole

WASHINGTON D.C. — This morning, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party welcomed President Trump's decision to impose across the board tariffs on the People's Republic of China.

The Chairman welcomed both the tariffs, that went into effect at midnight, and the closing of the "de minimis" loophole that allowed goods valued at under $800 to enter the country without inspections or duties. Last year, the Select Committee issued a report highlighting how abuse of "de minimis" allowed companies such as Shein and Temu to flood American markets with products, often produced through slave labor, and cost Americans their jobs. 

"“Eliminating the de minimis exclusion is a critical step in ensuring fair competition for American workers and companies while stopping the import of Chinese goods made with forced labor. The Select Committee has been at the forefront of this fight – and its prior work has shed light on the Chinese Communist Party’s direct role in fueling the fentanyl crisis by subsidizing the production of chemicals used in fentanyl and enabling their shipment to Mexican cartels. The CCP controls every aspect of activity within China and could easily end the production of these chemicals – but its blatant refusal to act demonstrates its malicious intent." said Chairman Moolenaar "I stand firmly with President Trump in taking action to hold the CCP accountable and protect the American people. Now, it’s up to Congress to take the next step and pass legislation to permanently address de minimis treatment for products imported from China."

The Select Committee's report on Temu and Shein's abuse of de minimis can be found here. 

The Select Committee's proposed legislation to end Permanent Normal Trade Relations with the PRC can be found here.