The Michigan Agri-Business Association is actively engaged in advocacy related to proposed new port fees that would increase costs for agricultural exporters and importers. This week, the Association joined two national-level efforts to provide information to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on this important topic. USTR has proposed a new set of penalties under Section 301 trade authority, including additional fees on China-built vessels. If implemented, these fees would disproportionately impact agricultural industry shippers, both by affecting shipping cost and availability for key inputs and disrupting export logistics. While the effort is well-intentioned and aims to support the U.S. shipbuilding industry, we share the concerns of the broader agricultural and business community that these fees would harm U.S. exporters, increase costs for farmers, and reduce our industry’s ability to compete in global markets. The proposed changes could also add new layers of complexity to an already strained supply chain. A letter comprising national retailers, cosigned by MABA and submitted to the USTR can be viewed at this link. A U.S. agriculture industry letter to USTR, cosigned by MABA can be viewed at this link. MABA will continue advocating on behalf of Michigan’s agricultural industry and working alongside national partners to oppose policies that could disrupt trade and increase costs for our members. For more information on this issue, please contact the MABA team.
