AFL-CIO President Applauds Biden–Harris Administration’s Move to Enforce Labor and Consumer Protection in Trade

September 13, 2024

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement on the announcement by the Biden--Harris administration to take steps to limit the "de minimis loophole," which exempts foreign-made goods valued at less than $800 from safety and other inspections that uphold labor and consumer protections:

We appreciate the Biden-Harris administration's step today toward closing a gaping loophole in America's trade policy. For too long, the so-called de minimis provision has allowed global companies, including e-commerce platforms, to ship directly into the United States while evading tariffs meant to level the playing field for America's workers and the scrutiny needed to hold bad actors accountable. The de minimis loophole undermines enforcement of the laws meant to remove forced labor from our supply chains, like the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act; bypasses safety inspections and puts consumers at risk; and opens America's doors to illicit goods like fentanyl that have destroyed lives, families, and communities.

Today's announcement is a commonsense move in the right direction to decrease the volume of uninspected shipments, but more must be done. The AFL-CIO calls on Congress to finally pass meaningful legislation to once and for all close this loophole, and enforce U.S. law and consumer and labor protections. We look forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration to implement today's essential policy move, and with the American people's representatives in Congress for a comprehensive and lasting solution.

Contact: Mia Jacobs, 202-637-5018