The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has formally requested the Trump administration to lift tariffs affecting small business importers in a letter sent late Wednesday. The letter, exclusively obtained by CNBC, addresses Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Retain their call on Congress to act quickly to avoid disproportionate negative effects on the economy.
Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, underscored the seriousness of the matter. In her letter, she focused on the need for automatic tariff exclusions. These exemptions should be limited to products that genuinely cannot be produced domestically or don’t exist in commercial quantities within the United States. The letter called for a more streamlined process that would allow businesses to quickly apply for tariff exclusions. This is important – perhaps most importantly for those companies that can demonstrate that import duties endanger U.S. jobs.
Clark expressed her concerns, stating, “We are deeply concerned that even if it only takes weeks or months to reach agreements, many small businesses will suffer irreparable harm.” Whether it’s a big business, small business or non-profit, the Chamber brings them all to the table. We have joined their call to safeguard American businesses from economic consequences of any new conflict.
The letter calls attention to the harmful impact that current tariffs can have on small businesses around the country. Clark asserted, “The Chamber requests the administration take immediate actions to save America’s small businesses and stave off a recession.” The immediacy of these asks adds emphasis on the Chamber’s commitment to continuing to advocate for smart policies that help secure economic prosperity.
While the letter does include a few substantive recommendations, it aims directly at the Trump administration with its asks. This forward looking approach seeks to address the most urgent challenges impacting small business owners nationwide. With so many unknowns ahead for the economy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is urging lawmakers to take targeted action to help those they represent.
The complete letter is available on CNBC’s site here .