PPAI Signs Coalition Letter Opposing USTR Proposal For China Shipbuilding Remedies The United States Trade Representative’s proposal to implement fees of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-made ships entering U.S. ports is expected to have significant ramifications on U.S. exports, as well as the broader economy, if put into action. PPAI has been actively involved in opposing the proposal, joining more than 260 trade associations in signing a coalition letter to USTR that explains why the suggested Section 301 China shipbuilding remedies would be disastrous for not only the promotional products industry, but also the overall U.S. economy. PPAI also joined dozens of other associations in supporting a new study by Trade Partnership Worldwide that further evaluates the broader impact of the proposed measures. USTR’s proposed remedies, which also include penalties on operators ordering from China and U.S.-flagged shipping mandates, would reduce U.S. GDP by up to $6.2 billion, according to the study. Exports would decline by up to $21.4 billion, worsening the U.S. trade deficit. Industries that rely on cost-effective shipping, including manufacturing, retail and agriculture, would experience higher costs and lose the ability to remain competitive. “PPAI strongly urges USTR to consider the unintended economic consequences of the proposed Section 301 remedies, particularly their strain on U.S. supply chains, cost structures and business operations,” Drew Holmgreen, president and CEO of PPAI, said in comments submitted to USTR ahead of a public hearing on March 24. “While these measures are intended to support domestic shipbuilding, they risk creating higher costs for importers, disrupting logistics networks and weakening the competitiveness of industries that rely on global trade, including promotional products.” Suphanat Khumsap / Shutterstock.com NALC 2025 Attendees To Learn About Technology That Could Revolutionize Promo Stop shaking the Magic 8 Ball and get “Crystal” clear on the future of the promotional products industry. Futurist Crystal Washington is coming to PPAI’s North American Leadership Conference, which takes place May 12-14 at the Sofitel Magnificent Mile in Chicago. In her session “The Future is NOW: Technology & Trends That Will Revolutionize,” the hall-of-fame speaker will identify buzzworthy human behavior that impacts how organizations innovate and share the top five technologies that could interrupt or revolutionize promo. “We’re already seeing that we can leverage AI for design tools, like Canva, that allow brands to customize artwork in seconds,” Washington says. “We’re also starting to see more automated personalization even in emails. So, there’s going to be a greater need for more customizable elements when people are looking to get items for particular clients or events.” On-demand production goes along with that. “It’s super important that the promo industry ensures clients have the tools to do things on demand without having to fill out a lot of forms or make a lot of calls, because DIY is the new service,” Washington says. “It doesn’t mean clients don’t want to do business with you when they need something that’s highly complicated, but for simple stuff, they don’t want to have to go through extra steps anymore.” As a technology strategist and certified futurist, Washington makes complex 78 • MAY 2025 • PPAI Community | Inside PPAI
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