Emergency Relief from Duties Act

Emergency Relief from Duties Act

This bill provides for a temporary waiver of countervailing and antidumping duties relating to fertilizer or fertilizer ingredients in emergency situations.

Specifically, a covered party (e.g., a manufacturer, trade association, or other interested party) may petition the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to waive countervailing or antidumping duties assessed for fertilizer or fertilizer ingredients (or renew such a waiver) in emergency situations that limit the production or supply of fertilizer or fertilizer ingredients.

The bill requires the USITC to (1) allow the public to submit comments on any petition for a waiver or renewal; and (2) issue, within 30 days after the close of the public comment period, a final decision concerning the waiver or renewal. Any waiver or renewal shall be for a period of one year.

Bill 117 HR 7010, also known as the Emergency Relief from Duties Act, was introduced in the US Congress to provide temporary relief from certain duties on imported goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill aims to help businesses and consumers by reducing the cost of imported goods, thereby stimulating economic activity and easing financial burdens.

The Emergency Relief from Duties Act proposes to suspend duties on certain imported goods for a period of time to alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic. This relief would apply to a wide range of products, including medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and other essential goods needed to combat the spread of the virus.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that the relief provided does not harm domestic industries or workers. It requires the Secretary of the Treasury to monitor the impact of the duty suspensions and report to Congress on their effectiveness in supporting the economy and protecting American jobs. Overall, the Emergency Relief from Duties Act is designed to provide much-needed assistance to businesses and consumers during this challenging time. By temporarily reducing the cost of imported goods, the bill aims to support economic recovery and help Americans navigate the financial hardships brought on by the pandemic.