Sponsored by:
Assemblyman ROY FREIMAN
District 16 (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset)
Assemblyman P. CHRISTOPHER TULLY
District 38 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Opposes tariffs imposed on imported European cheese.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution opposing tariffs imposed on imported European cheese.
Whereas, On October 18th, 2019, the Office of the United States Trade Representative imposed new tariffs on products imported from the European Union (EU); and
Whereas, The Administration imposed a tariff of 25 percent on cheese and other EU products sold in the United States of America (US); and
Whereas, According to United States Department of Agriculture data, Americans’ cheese consumption has more than doubled in the last four decades, with slightly over half of the cheese sold in the US being imported from the EU, resulting in about two billion dollars in annual cheese sales; and
Whereas, Trade relationships between the US and EU became strained last year after the President of the United States imposed tariffs on other European imports including aluminum and steel; and
Whereas, The tariffs have the potential to dramatically raise prices of European food imports to the US; and
Whereas, Many top-selling and prized styles of cheese, including Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano and Dutch Gouda, could become twice as expensive in American stores; and
Whereas, While the tariffs are intended to punish the EU, the tariffs could be devastating for the more than 14,000 specialty food retailers in the country, many of which are small or medium-sized businesses, that already operate on thin margins with highly perishable products; and
Whereas, According to some food retailer owners, the tariffs are devastating, affecting the majority of the top-selling cheeses at their stores; and
Whereas, Given the potential harmful effect of these tariffs on American consumers and businesses, the General Assembly of this State sternly opposes the tariffs imposed on European cheese imports; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The General Assembly of this State opposes the tariffs imposed on European cheese imports to the United States recently implemented by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the President and Vice-President of the United States and the United States Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer.
STATEMENT
On October 18th, 2019, the Office of the United States Trade Representative imposed new tariffs on products imported from the European Union (EU). The Administration imposed a tariff of 25 percent on cheese and other EU products sold in the United States of America (US). According to United States Department of Agriculture data, Americans’ cheese consumption has more than doubled in the last four decades, with slightly over half of the cheese sold in the US being imported from the EU, resulting in about two billion dollars in annual cheese sales.
The tariffs have the potential to dramatically raise prices of European food imports to the US. Many top-selling and prized styles of cheese, including Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano and Dutch Gouda, could become twice as expensive in American stores.
While the tariffs are intended to punish the EU, the tariffs could mean catastrophe for the more than 14,000 specialty food retailers in the country, many of which are small or medium-sized businesses that already operate on thin margins with highly perishable products. Given the potential harmful effect of these tariffs on American consumers and businesses, the Governor and the Legislature sternly oppose the issuance of tariffs on European cheese imports.