Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Candy Makers Go After Obama over Impasse on Mexican Tariffs

(The Hill – Mike Lillis)

The nation’s candy makers this week slammed Washington policymakers for failing to settle a trade dispute with one of their most lucrative export markets: Mexico.

The impasse, the National Confectioners Association warned Friday, will ding the industry with a 20 percent tax on tens of millions of dollars worth of chewing gum and chocolate products heading south of the border. “Dozens of U.S. gum and chocolate makers large and small will immediately feel the effects of these duties,” NCA President Larry Graham said in a statement.

The concerns come in response this week’s announcement by the Mexican government that it would expand the number of products subject to new border taxes – a move designed to pressure the U.S. to allow Mexican long-haul trucks on U.S. roadways. Read more here.