The Ohio AgriBusiness Association, in coordination with the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), urges our members to contact your Members of Congress today to voice opposition to a proposal under consideration by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The proposal would impose severe new penalties on shipping with Chinese-built vessels under a Section 301 investigation — a move that would significantly disrupt U.S. agricultural exports, including those from Ohio.
These penalties include potential port fees of up to $1.5 million per Chinese-built ship and requirements to move goods on U.S.-built ships. If enacted, this could increase shipping costs for grains and oilseeds by $0.50 to $1.25 per bushel.
A decision from USTR is imminent — possibly within the week. OABA has already contacted Ohio’s congressional delegation and we strongly encourage our members to do the same and urge them to weigh in with USTR.
Your Message to Congress:
Ask them to contact the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, USDA, White House, and National Security Council and urge them to:
Express support for President Trump’s objective to address national security risks from lack of U.S. shipbuilding, but emphasize that this proposal would severely harm U.S. agricultural exports and could result in permanent loss of markets and global market share.
Key Talking Points:
Other Resources:
For additional questions, contact Max Fisher, NGFA’s Chief Economist and Treasurer, at mfisher@ngfa.org or (913) 449-0140.