December 9, 2015
American Bakers Association (ABA) is asking those involved in the baking industry to #RiseToAction and request your Senators and Representatives include COOL Repeal in any Omnibus Spending Package.
The reason behind this is that the World Trade Organization (WTO) has determined that the US Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) rule violates US trade obligations. This rule allows the country’s largest export markets – Canada and Mexico – to establish retaliatory tariffs that would cost the US billions in export sales.
Earlier this week, the WTO discussed the amount of the Canadian and Mexican Tariffs to be imposed by the end of the year. According to WTO, the US could face $1 billion in trade penalties, Mexico’s tariffs could total $228 million and Canada’s can be as much as $780 million.
If Congress successfully repeals COOL before retaliatory tariffs take effect, the US will be in compliance with the WTO ruling and will avoid retaliation by its two largest trade partners. An “Omnibus Spending Package” is currently being developed by Members of Congress that will be voted on by December 11th.
What does this mean for you?
According to ABA, bakers are threatened with a one hundred percent tax on baked goods and ingredients according to a list released by Canada and could see something similar from Mexico.
Take action and visit ABA’s RisetoAction website today.
For questions, contact:
Michael Goscinski
Manager, Government Relations & Public Affairs
American Bakers Association
(202) 789-0300 x106
mgoscinski@americanbakers.org