Situation
The AHM Coalition recognizes that the recently announced tariffs on Chinese goods will directly affect everyone who relies on oversees suppliers, including those within the acupuncture community. Because these tariffs were declared under a national emergency, at this time, there is limited recourse for those affected by these tariffs beyond making your individual voices heard by engaging your elected officials.
Action Steps
To do so, contact your Congressional representatives in both the House and Senate to communicate the hardship that these tariffs have on your practice. Their staff members track constituent concerns, especially when patterns emerge. Frame the issue through the lens of your experience as a small-business owner. Emphasize the economic hardship your practice—and others like yours—will face due to increased costs for essential medical supplies and herbs. While trade policy is a global issue, it is also a local issue. Sharing the hardships you will incur in your Congressional representatives makes global tariffs personal and local.
You can find your Congressional members here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member. Their office phone numbers are typically at the bottom of their home pages.
Expected Outcome
While your outreach alone will not lead to a tariff exemption for acupuncture products or for an overall reduction in tariffs, it will ensure that your representatives understand the hardship that these tariffs have on their communities. Many lawmakers, particularly those who are champions of free trade, may be more receptive to this message and thus, may be incentivized to stand up for their constituent base if it highlights the unintended
consequences of the tariffs on small healthcare providers and their patients. When contacting your elected officials, remind them that acupuncturists contribute meaningfully to community health and wellness, and that these tariffs threaten patient access to care.
Next Steps
Stay informed and engaged, as an increasing number of members of Congress from both parties voice concern about the broader economic impact of a trade war. The AHM Coalition will continue to monitor and provide updates as we receive them.
Download the Full PDF of this Statement Here.
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