USTR Protects Local Maryland Business Following Harris Request

WASHINGTON, DC: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a list of tariffs with an exemption for a product, 3,5-Dinitro-o-toluamide, that largely affects the operations of Zoetis, a local business in Salisbury, MD. Dinitro-o-toluamide is used in the production of two related products that are very important for the treatment of the infectioncoccidiosis, especially significant in chicken and turkey production. The Zoetis product Zoalene is used to make Zoamix® and is a feed additive for chickens and turkeys which helps to reduce use of antibiotics in poultry feed.

The product is effectively only available from China. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) requested the exemption for Dinitro-o-toluamide.

Congressman Harris released the following statement acknowledging USTR’s tariff exemption:

“I support President Trump’s efforts to address unfair Chinese trade practices and theft of American technology, and tariffs could be an effective method to acquire needed reform. However, some products used in American manufacturing are only available from China. It simply makes sense to exclude these ‘sole-source’ items from the tariff list. I am thankful that USTR agreed to my request to exempt this product, essential to a local manufacturer and employer on the Eastern Shore, from the list of tariffs placed on Chinese imports. This ingredient is important to the economy on the Eastern Shore and to the health of chicken and poultry production.”