As previously reported, U.S. mattresses exported to Canada and potentially Mexico have become a target for retaliatory tariffs as part of an ongoing trade dispute between the United States and those two countries. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled that U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements for certain cuts of meat violate international trade rules. As a result, the WTO is in the process of authorizing Canada and Mexico to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S exports of certain products to these countries. Canada has announced its intent to impose 100% retaliatory tariffs on certain products including mattresses classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule code 9404.29.00, which includes “mattresses of materials other than cellular rubber or plastics, whether or not covered.” To date, Mexico has not announced its intended tariff targets.

To prevent such duties from being imposed on U.S. products, ISPA is a member of the COOL Reform Coalition, which is lobbying Congress and the Administration to enact laws and policies that comply with our international trade obligations. As a result of the Coalition’s efforts, the House voted to repeal the COOL rules by a vote of 300-131. It is now the Senate’s turn to pass this legislation.

We now need your help to get the Senate to act promptly. To send a quick, pre-written letter to your Senators urging them to pass the repeal of COOL rules, visit the COOL Reform website.

Should the Senate or the Administration fail to act soon, retaliatory tariffs could begin later this year. ISPA will continue to advocate against trade policies that unfairly target the mattress industry.