October, 2019 – AB Specialty Silicones LLC, a U.S. manufacturer and global distributor of specialty silicone products,announced today that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has granted an exclusion for silicones in primary forms, HTSUS 3910.00.0000, subject to Section 301 tariffs. Silicone is sourced from China for use in U.S. production facilities and sold worldwide.
Mac Penman, General Manager, led the exclusion process for the silicone industry. Tariffs have significantly impacted the industry, and negatively impacted other American businesses along the downstream supply chain, for example, the U.S. construction industry, where silicone is used in roof coatings, adhesives, sealants, and for waterproofing of wallboard. U.S. silicone manufacturers do not have the capacity to produce silicone in the quantities that would satisfy North American demand.
“We are very appreciative that the USTR and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have granted this
exclusion. We are pursuing a new exclusion application to strengthen the U.S. silicone industry,” said Mac Penman. “We remain hopeful that the trade negotiations will come to a successful and fair conclusion which will resolve all disputes and eliminate tariffs for the benefit of American manufacturers and workers.”
Full Press Release is available for download here.