Norwalk, Conn. -- Leaders of the Multilayer Flooring Association (MFA) have launched The American Consumers and Workers Justice Coalition (ACWJC) to rally against the proposed additional tariffs on vinyl flooring imports from China. ACWJC said the tariffs will will have a negative impact on U.S. consumers and many domestic flooring businesses, especially those benefiting from the explosive growth of luxury vinyl tile and multilayer flooring.

Already with 34 members and growing, the coalition is standing up for the small businesses and consumers who would be affected by the proposed tariffs: higher consumer prices on LVT/Vinyl flooring; fewer flooring choices for the American consumer; stifled innovation in product design, performance, safety and sustainability; potential job losses in the sales and supply channel (flooring distributors/retailers/installers/contractors).

“The dynamics of this situation are creating a greater need to respond,” said Harlan Stone, CEO of Halstead International and one of the founders of ACWJC. “Not only is it a question of if and when, but now it is also a question of how much. “A 25% tariff would be felt in every corner of the flooring industry; from the regional distributor to independent retail outlets. It will negatively impact the installer, home improvement contractors and even truck drivers and warehouse workers. We can’t stand idly by while the American consumer and worker is asked to bear the brunt of this unfair taxation.”

The coalition’s submission to testify before the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was approved, and Stone will testify on behalf of ACWJC later this month in Washington, D.C.

For more information, visit multilayerflooringassociation.com.