Smith Statement on COOL Tariff Ruling by WTO

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled Canada and Mexico may impose retaliatory tariffs of up to $1.01 billion on imported U.S. products due to the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law.

“Stakeholders should continue working together to empower consumers with the information they want about the meat they buy,” Smith said. “However, continued inaction on COOL will only ensure $1 billion in new annual retaliatory tariffs. These penalties will damage the ability of U.S. producers and manufacturers to sell goods to 157 million of our best customers in Canada and Mexico while increasing costs for U.S. consumers on a variety of products.

“While some still suggest keeping COOL in its current form while negotiations continue, we must address the urgency of this issue by acting now and then proceeding with talks – otherwise, we risk the imposition of retaliatory tariffs and further damage from the possible prolonged loss of market share.”