North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)

Good news on the walk-in coolers/freezers front. NAFEM just received word that the Senate voted to approve a resolution of disapproval on the WIC/F rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). As the House passed the resolution last week, it will now be sent to President Trump for his signature. Once signed, this will mean the recent DOE standards rule would be treated as if it never existed. The underlying statute pre-empts states from initiating their own requirements and passage of the CRA opens the door for the industry to reengage with DOE to restart the rulemaking process and build a better foundation for future energy conservation standards. #NAFEMAdvocacy

NAFEM joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 490 other state and local chambers of commerce and national trade associations in calling on Congress to extend the expiring provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and create a pathway toward passing permanent tax relief to American families and employers. #NAFEMAdvocacy https://bit.ly/3QZfBzW

#NAFEMFightingHunger is the largest philanthropic effort in our history, helping local Feeding America food banks support our neighbors facing hunger. Learn more about Feeding America’s® important work in their recent Impact Report.

NAFEM joined the US Chamber of Commerce and 100+ others in advocating against the US Trade Representative’s proposed Section 301 actions to counter China’s dominance in shipbuilding. The proposal would increase shipping costs, raise prices and decrease exports & imports, “deeply hurting American businesses and consumers.” #NAFEMAdvocacy

Shout out to Hatco Corporation for their generous donation to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Together we are #NAFEMFightingHunger.

Despite ample copper reserves, America’s smelting and refining capacity lags global competitors. Because copper is the second most utilized metal by the Department of Defense, President Trump called for a Section 232 investigation to assess security risks arising from U.S. dependence on imported smelted and refined copper. Findings are due Nov. 22. A similar Section 232 investigation is underway for imports of timber, lumber and their derivative products. #NAFEMAdvocacy

In just five years, NAFEM members have donated nearly 43 million meals to neighbors facing hunger through our signature social purpose program ‒ #NAFEMFightingHunger. Our largest philanthropic effort in NAFEM history supports local Feeding America food banks.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMS) is investigating transit conditions at several int’l maritime “chokepoints,” such as the English Channel, Singapore Straight, Panama Canal and others. The FMC is looking into constraints creating unfavorable conditions for U.S. foreign trade shipping and steps it could take to alleviate challenges. Comments are welcome by May 13 at the link below. #NAFEMAdvocacy https://bit.ly/4bL9B7o

Interested in investing in the $17 billion foodservice equipment and supplies industry or an adjacent business? The 12th biennial #NAFEM Size & Shape of the Industry Study is an excellent information resource, reporting on the overall North American industry in nine major product categories. The Study is available for $9900 by contacting info@nafem.org.

Expanded Section 232 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum tariffs for all countries took effect March 12. Tariffs also have been extended to certain steel derivative products, as outlined in the linked Federal Register notices. The previous exclusion process has been eliminated. However, it is reported that within 90 days, the Commerce Department will establish a process for adding products to the derivatives tariffs. The notice does not specify whether there will be an opportunity to object to an addition. #NAFEMAdvocacy Steel > https://bit.ly/4iqtRxx Aluminum > https://bit.ly/4hvEEoP