Today, FAH submitted comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) urging an exemption for health care goods and products from the proposed tariffs on various goods from China, which will become effective on August 1, 2024. 

Key points in the comments highlighted:

• Health care providers depend on a steady and reliable supply of medical goods, and the proposed tariffs could lead to shortages and delays, making it challenging to maintain adequate stock levels of essential health care products.  
• Tariffs will lead to higher costs for importing critical medical supplies and equipment, and the combined effect of supply chain disruptions and higher costs could limit access to essential medical care.  

Alternatively, FAH urged the USTR to exempt all “medical necessities” (e.g., needles, syringes, PPE, including gloves, and all durable medical equipment, including crutches, canes, and walkers) from the Tariff Modifications, or at a minimum, implement a multi-year delay in the imposition of the tariffs and/or lower tariff rates.

Read the letter here.