New legislation, known as HR 5642, has been initiated that would increase import tariffs on certain spring and other mattress support products. HR 5642 was introduced by Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri in October. It would amend Chapter 73 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule by adding tariffs to certain helical spring products and mattress supports. The 107th Congress adjourned without discussing the legislation, so it’s likely it will be carried over to the 108th Congress when they convene this month. HR 5642 has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee and was forwarded to the subcommittee on Trade.
According to Arthur Grehan of American Innerspring Manufacturers, "Members of AIM are very concerned about the rapid increase in imports of innersprings from China and feel it has resulted in an uneven playing field. AIM would support any legislation designed to level that playing field. AIM is looking into what we can do as an association, but our efforts haven’t called for legislation yet. Initially, we would probably take a different
