March 8, 2018

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released the following statement on behalf of its President & CEO Tom Feeney praising President Donald Trump’s tax reform and urging caution with imposing proposed tariffs on aluminum and steel as recommended by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

“AIF is hearing from businesses around the state how appreciative they are of President Trump’s historic tax reform that is helping create and grow jobs in the Sunshine State. 

“However, because Florida is a major international commercial hub and exporter, AIF and Florida’s business community are gravely concerned with the impact a new tax on steel and aluminum would have on free trade.  Any overzealous restraint on trade or tariffs on aluminum and steel here in Florida would potentially undercut the massive benefits Florida employers and employees are seeing as a result of President Trump’s regulatory reform and tax reform.

“A 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports would cost Florida jobs, potentially increase costs to Florida consumers and force Florida-based businesses to relocate elsewhere. Further, according to the Tampa Bay Times, ‘a Tax Foundation study estimated Florida firms would pay $524 million more under Trump’s steel and aluminum tariff.’  We encourage the President and his Administration to reconsider this proposal, putting Americans and our economy first.”

Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, AIF has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state.

For more information on AIF, please visit AIF.com and follow @VoiceofFLBiz.

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