RV Industry Association Urges Congressional Action On De Minimis Loophole Affecting The RV Industry

The RV Industry Association has taken a significant step in advocating for the protection of American manufacturing by urging Congress to take action on the harmful effects of the de minimis provision in U.S. trade laws. On September 25, 2024, Jason Rano, the RV Industry Association’s Vice President of Government Affairs, sent a letter to key leaders in Congress and the White House, calling for swift reforms that would close loopholes exploited by foreign companies—primarily from China.

The letter was addressed to Chairmen Ron Wyden and Jason Smith of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, as well as Ranking Members Mike Crapo and Richard Neal. It highlighted the disproportionate advantage Chinese companies currently enjoy under Section 321 of the de minimis entry law, which allows them to flood the U.S. market with low-quality, underpriced products while bypassing tariffs, intellectual property rights enforcement, and safety standards.

“The misuse of the de minimis provision is posing an existential threat to many American manufacturers, retailers, and distributors, including those supplying the RV industry,” Rano wrote. He emphasized the significant harm this loophole causes for RV aftermarket suppliers, who are struggling to compete against substandard foreign products. Chinese firms are using this provision to sell directly to U.S. consumers or through nearby warehouses in Mexico and Canada, undermining domestic businesses.

The RV industry, which contributes $140 billion to the U.S. economy and employs nearly 700,000 Americans, has been particularly affected—especially in the aftermarket sector. Rano noted that while Congress introduced the de minimis law with good intentions, its unintended consequences are threatening the future of the American RV aftermarket and other industries that form part of the $1 trillion outdoor recreation economy.

The letter also endorsed legislative efforts such as Rep. Murphy’s End China’s De Minimis Abuse Act and Rep. Blumenauer’s Import Security and Fairness Act, which aim to exclude products subject to Section 301 tariffs from de minimis eligibility. Additionally, Rano expressed support for measures being considered by Senate Finance Chairman Wyden and the White House, particularly those targeting import-sensitive sectors like textiles and auto components critical to the RV industry. The RV Industry Association continues to support positive steps toward reining in abuses of the de minimis exemption.

The RV Industry Association is committed to collaborating with lawmakers to enact reforms that will restore fair competition and protect American jobs. With Congress currently considering multiple bills addressing de minimis abuses, the RV Industry Association is advocating for urgent action before the end of the year.

For more details, read the full letter from the RV Industry Association and contact Samantha Rocci, Director of Federal Affairs, at srocci@rvia.org.