Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7836

Introduced
3/29/24  

Caption

To amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for permanent duty-free treatment on imports of basketballs.

Impact

Should HB7836 be enacted, stakeholders in the sports and recreational goods industry might experience a positive shift in market dynamics. Manufacturers and retailers could benefit from cost savings, potentially leading to lower retail prices for consumers. Furthermore, the bill may encourage increased importation and sales as local businesses capitalize on the absence of tariffs. By making basketballs more affordable, the legislation could also indirectly boost participation in sports, particularly among younger demographics, fostering greater engagement in athletic activities.

Summary

House Bill 7836 proposes to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States with the intention of establishing permanent duty-free treatment for imports of basketballs. This move is significant as it aims to eliminate tariffs on these imports, which may result in reduced costs for consumers and importers alike. The bill addresses an existing tariff of 30% on basketballs, seeking to facilitate smoother access to these products in the U.S. market. As the popularity of basketballs grows across the country, the removal of tariffs could promote broader availability and sales of basketballs without the added financial burden of import duties.

Contention

Despite the apparent benefits of HB7836, the proposal could also face criticism from domestic manufacturers who may perceive the bill as a threat to their competitive edge. If cheaper imports flood the market post-enactment, it could lead to reduced market share for U.S.-made basketballs. Concerns may arise regarding the impact on local jobs in the manufacturing sector, prompting some stakeholders to argue for a balanced approach to trade that protects domestic industries while still promoting consumer interests. The discussion around this bill highlights the ongoing tension between globalization and local industry protections.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB1781

A bill to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide a uniform 8-digit subheading number for all whiskies.

US SB952

A bill to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide a uniform 8-digit subheading number for all whiskies.

US HB3739

FAIR TARIFF Act of 2023 For Accurate Import Relief To Aid Retailers and Importers of Foreign Freights Act of 2023

US SB1413

A bill to amend chapter 62 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify the requirements for a garment to be considered water resistant.

US HB694

Restoring Trade Fairness ActThis bill establishes various trade measures related to China, including by revoking China's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and increasing the rates of duty (i.e., tariffs) on Chinese imported goods. The bill prohibits imported goods originating from North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran from receiving de minimis treatment. (Current law allows for U.S. imports under a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment to enter free of tariffs, fees, and taxes.)Specifically, the bill revokes China's PNTR status. Currently, China's PNTR status allows for Chinese goods to have duty rates set forth in column 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). With the removal of China's PNTR status, the bill generally sets the applicable duty rates on imported Chinese goods at the higher rates listed in column 2 of the HTS, with exceptions.The bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 35% for all Chinese goods, which requires column 2 rates to be at least 35%. However, the bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 100% for a list of specified goods (e.g., various minerals, certain vaccines and drugs, and certain defense-related articles). Duty rates are phased in over five years and adjusted annually for inflation.The bill alsoauthorizes the President to take additional actions related to trade with China, requires merchandise imported from China to be appraised based on U.S. value, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers for lost revenue resulting from retaliatory actions by China.

US HB8398

Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Reform Act

US HB8957

PROVE IT Act of 2024 Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency Act of 2024

US SB206

Restoring Trade Fairness ActThis bill establishes various trade measures related to China, including by revoking China's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and increasing the rates of duty (i.e., tariffs) on Chinese imported goods. The bill prohibits imported goods originating from North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran from receiving de minimis treatment. (Current law allows for U.S. imports under a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment to enter free of tariffs, fees, and taxes.)Specifically, the bill revokes China's PNTR status. Currently, China's PNTR status allows for Chinese goods to have duty rates set forth in column 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). With the removal of China's PNTR status, the bill generally sets the applicable duty rates on imported Chinese goods at the higher rates listed in column 2 of the HTS, with exceptions.The bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 35% for all Chinese goods, which requires column 2 rates to be at least 35%. However, the bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 100% for a list of specified goods (e.g., various minerals, certain vaccines and drugs, and certain defense-related articles). Duty rates are phased in over five years and adjusted annually for inflation.The bill alsoauthorizes the President to take additional actions related to trade with China, requires merchandise imported from China to be appraised based on U.S. value, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers for lost revenue resulting from retaliatory actions by China.

US SB2979

India Shrimp Tariff Act

US HB8416

Drones for First Responders Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.