Cramer Statement on WTO's Ruling of $1 Billion Retaliatory Tariffs to US COOL Law

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement today after the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled Canada and Mexico may impose retaliatory tariffs of up to $782 million and $227.76 million respectively on imported U.S. products to recoup damages caused by U.S. country-of-origin labeling (COOL)rules for meat. The imposition of the tariffs comes after the WTO ruled for the fourth time earlier this year the COOL law violates international trade obligations.

"If it wasn't already obvious, this decision by the WTO to allow Canada and Mexico to levy $1 billion of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. producers and small businesses should serve as the ultimate reality check," said Cramer. I hope the U.S. Senate acts quickly to pass H.R. 2393, the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Amendments Act and help prevent these and future tariffs from being imposed."

The bill passed by the House in June repeals existing requirements for retailers of beef, pork, and chicken, at the final point of sale.

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