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Tire Manufacturers Urge Congress to Act as Industry Continues to Face Unprecedented Challenges from COVID-19

April 20, 2020

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) urged Congressional leadership to quickly pass legislation that will address the immediate and enduring challenges facing the economy and the tire manufacturing industry as a result of this pandemic.

“Tire manufacturers continue to face unprecedented challenges as a result of COVID-19,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “USTMA urges Congress’ continued leadership to ensure the American economy and manufacturing sector are well-positioned to quickly return to pre-pandemic levels in the near future and for the long term. USTMA remains committed to engaging all stakeholders to quickly pass legislation that will address the immediate and enduring challenges facing our country and the tire manufacturing industry as a result of this pandemic.”

In a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, USTMA pressed Congressional leaders to:

  • Enact a payroll tax holiday, suspending employer-paid payroll taxes through September 30, 2020.
  • Provide tax credits for all employers – including those above the 500-employee threshold – that offer benefits such as paid leave for emergency situations or to care for family members experiencing emergency situations.
  • Provide a refundable payroll tax rebate covering eighty percent of employer payroll costs for companies of all sizes to help maintain (rather than terminate or temporarily layoff) their workforce during the COVID-19 emergency.
  • Provide for the immediate use and refundability of general business credits (GBCs).
  • Delay the remittance of federal excise taxes collected by manufacturers on the sale of tires.
  • Ensure cross-border trade – particularly within North America – is not adversely affected by policies aimed at restricting movement to contain the spread of the disease.
  • Request coordination with the governments of Canada and Mexico to ensure industries, such as the automotive supply chain, are able to re-open in unison in all three countries.

About USTMA

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for tire manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S. Our 11 member companies operate 56 tire-related manufacturing facilities in 16 states. U.S. tire manufacturing has an annual economic footprint of $170.6 billion and is responsible for more than 291,000 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, distribution and retailing. The industry supports more than 510,000 additional U.S. jobs in supplier and induced activities, totaling more than 801,000 jobs nationwide. USTMA advances a sustainable tire manufacturing industry through thought leadership and a commitment to science based public policy advocacy. Our member company tires make mobility possible. USTMA members are committed to continuous improvement of the performance of our products, worker and consumer safety and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.USTires.org and follow us on Twitter @USTires.