Brown urges Biden to close trade loophole that hurts U.S. business and allows fentanyl imports

WASHINGTON, DC (WTRF) – International trade law is a hot topic following Cleveland-Cliffs’ recent decision to shut down its tinplate factory in Weirton.

This would result in the loss of 900 jobs in our region.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., are currently trying to repeal the so-called “de minimis” rule. They argue that the rule is a trade loophole that hurts U.S. manufacturers.

Under the De Minimis rule, international imports valued at less than $800 are exempt from paying duties, taxes, and other fees, and inspections are less stringent.

Brown said the Chinese Communist Party, in particular, directly benefits from De Minimis’ rule to the detriment of Americans.

“They are exploiting the de minimis loophole to break America’s trade laws, steal American jobs, and worse, smuggle illegal drugs like fentanyl into the country.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio

Brown said he has spoken with several law enforcement officials from across Ohio who claim to know that this loophole is being exploited to bring fentanyl into the Buckeye State.

He is calling on the Biden administration to use its executive powers to end the de minimis regime.

https://www.wtrf.com/top-stories/brown-urges-biden-to-end-trade-loophole-that-he-says-undermines-american-business-and-allows-fentanyl-imports/ Brown urges Biden to close trade loophole that hurts U.S. business and allows fentanyl imports