Trump to look at tariff exemptions for baby products
"I'll think about it. I don't know," Trump said in the Oval Office when asked about exemptions for baby products. "I want to make it nice and simple," he said, adding that he doesn't want so many exemptions that it creates confusion about his tariff policy. "But I'll take a look at it."
More: Parental woes: How tariffs could affect baby formula, diapers and other essentials
Bessent, appearing before the House Financial Services Committee, said the administration is exploring the potential carveouts for baby products during an exchange with Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, who pressed him on the matter.
"It is under consideration," Bessent said after Pressley demanded that the Treasury secretary say whether he supports the exemptions to help mothers and families of young children.
"Families at home are hurting," Pressley said. "Just give me a direct answer."
More: Parental woes: How tariffs could affect baby formula, diapers and other essentials
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, which advocates and lobbies for the prenatal to preschool industry, sent a letter to Trump in February asking for a tariff exclusion for baby products. More than 70% of baby products purchased by Americans are manufactured by companies in China, the group says, warning that Trump's tariffs will result in higher costs for families of young children.
More: A 'beautiful baby girl' doesn't need so many dolls, Trump says. Also: five pencils are enough
U.S. parents already spend more than $29,000 a year per child on costs associated with raising a young child, according to a recent report by LendingTree.
As Trump defends his tariffs - which he's argued are needed to rejuvenate domestic manufacturing - Trump has said U.S. children don't need so many personal possessions, citing dolls and pencils as examples.
Trump has imposed tariffs on Chinese imports totaling 145% in addition to 10% baseline tariffs on goods from most other countries. He delayed for 90 days higher reciprocal tariffs placed on goods from these countries, but the massive levies on China remains.
More: US, Chinese officials to hold ice-breaker meeting in Geneva this week
Trump last week agreed to offer tariff rebates to automakers reeling from his steep 25% tariffs on foreign cars and auto parts to provide some relief.
Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and other Trump officials are set to meet with their Chinese counterparts this weekend in Geneva, kicking off trade negotiations with Beijing as Trump looks to secure what he has called a "fair deal" with China.
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
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