The Council Urges US to Eliminate Mexican Tariffs

The Personal Care Products Council has issued a statement urging the United States to eliminate tariffs imposed by Mexico. According to the council, tariffs of up to 15% recently have been imposed by Mexico on US-manufactured products, affecting virtually all personal care products such as makeup, skin care, nail care, shaving goods, hair care, oral care, deodorants and antiperspirants.

The tariffs imposed upon US goods were established by Mexico in response to the suspension of a NAFTA agreement allowing Mexican semis to deliver goods across the border. The tariffs cover nearly US $2.4 billion in goods—approximately 90 products from 40 US states. Mexican Economy Secretary Gerardo Ruiz Mateos passed the tariffs upon determination that the suspension of trucks from crossing the border violated the NAFTA agreement.

“As a global industry, our member companies strongly support free trade and depend on open borders to manufacture, supply, distribute and market a broad array of personal care products that consumers around the world use every day," said Francine Lamoriello, executive vice president of global strategies for the council, in the published statement. "Our members include manufacturers of finished products, suppliers of raw materials and the ingredients that go into those products, packaging and other industry services," she added.

“The council is actively engaged with foreign industry associations, foreign governments and the US Government to advocate free trade policies and resist technical barriers that would hinder international product development and marketing, and would result in jobs lost at home and abroad. We encourage a speedy resolution," stated Lamoriello.