PHILADELPHIA, PA (BRAIN)—The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) is under pressure to review and recommend changes to current temporary tariff reductions as well as respond to a Taiwanese proposal before the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning a bicycle and components tariff reduction before the end of the month.
“We are working with Congressman Blumenauer right now who wants our recommendations shortly,” said John Nedeau, BPSA’s president, and SRAM’s vice president of sales. Blumenauer, is a member of the Ways and Means Committee which is charged with writing tax legislation, tariff issues and other responsibilities.
Nedeau also is meeting with Ying-Ming Yang, chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association and chairman of Kenda Rubber Industrial, who is trying to win BPSA support for its proposal for sectoral adjustments for bicycles and bicycle parts currently being presented to the WTO. Unlike the temporary tariff reductions, which need to be regularly reviewed, a WTO decision on the Taiwanese proposal would write into law permanent tariff reductions.
“The BPSA is considering taking a supporting position on the Taiwanese initiative but we have yet to make that decision,” Nedeau said. If the BPSA decides to support it, it will contact the U.S. Trade Representative to the WTO informing them of their support. At that point the Representative will decide whether to sign on to the Taiwanese proposal.
—Matt Wiebe
