Tariff Edition – August 14, 2026

With schools back in session, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of what your Cobb Chamber Advocacy Team has been up to during the busy summer months. From navigating new tariffs to meeting with members of Congress, it has been an eventful season. And while the pace never really slows down, there is plenty more ahead, including several events you won't want to miss. All of that and more in this special edition of From the Capitol Steps.

On July 24, 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) implemented Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 foreign economies after determining that their failure to adopt and effectively enforce prohibitions on goods produced with forced labor constituted an unreasonable trade practice that burdens U.S. commerce. The action is intended to combat forced labor in global supply chains, address resulting trade distortions, and encourage trading partners to strengthen their labor enforcement policies.

Under the new framework, most imports from covered countries are subject to an additional tariff of either 10 percent or 12.5 percent. The 10 percent rate generally applies to economies that have implemented, partially implemented, or committed to implementing forced-labor import prohibitions. Those countries include Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Countries that have not adopted sufficient measures generally face the higher 12.5 percent rate, including Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Singapore, Thailand, Türkiye, the UAE, Venezuela, and Vietnam. These tariffs replaced the temporary Section 122 tariff program that expired on July 24, 2026. Goods already loaded and in transit before that date were exempt, provided they were entered for consumption before July 28, 2026.

The action contains several important exemptions designed to avoid supply chain disruptions and unintended economic consequences. Specifically, USTR exempted certain raw materials that are critical to domestic supply, products whose tariff treatment could cause economy-wide disruptions, and goods that cannot be produced in sufficient quantities or at reasonable prices in the United States or sourced elsewhere. Additionally, all products already subject to Section 232 tariffs are exempt from the new Section 301 duties, preventing the tariffs from stacking. Exempted products include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Certain agricultural products and seeds, sugar, unflavored instant coffee, fertilizer and pesticide inputs.
• Wood products, pig iron and other metals inputs, aluminum scrap, battery waste, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
• Pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients clothing, art, antiques, and collectibles.

Several jurisdictions also received special treatment. Rather than being assessed a straightforward additional tariff, imports from the European Union, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland are subject to a capped or blended duty calculation. For example, goods from the European Union and Taiwan that already carry a normal U.S. duty rate of 10 percent or more are generally exempt from any additional Section 301 duty, while goods below that threshold are brought up to a combined 10 percent rate. Similarly, imports from Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland with existing duties of 12.5 percent or higher generally avoid additional tariffs, while lower-duty products are adjusted to a combined 12.5 percent rate.

Finally, the action provides limited transitional relief for goods that were already loaded for shipment and in transit before July 24, 2026.

For more information on the Section 301 tariff action, please feel free visit the USTR’s website, including the USTR Section 301 Fact Sheet.

Congressman McCormick Job Fair

The Cobb Chamber was honored to partner with Congressman Rich McCormick and his office on the inaugural Georgia’s 7th District Job Fair. The goal was to connect local job seekers with employers from across North Georgia. The free event featured more than 50 employers representing industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, technology, retail, public service, aerospace and defense, and skilled trades. Attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with hiring managers, learn about available positions, and participate in networking and on-the-spot interview opportunities. Prior to the event, Cobb Chamber President and CEO Sharon Mason and Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations Amanda Seals were invited to a small group roundtable with the Congressman where key federal issues were discussed.

Business Roundtable with Congressman Fuller

On July 31, the Cobb Chamber hosted Congressman Clay Fuller and members of his staff from Georgia's 14th Congressional District for a roundtable discussion on key issues facing businesses in Cobb County and the surrounding region. Topics included permitting and regulatory reform, transportation, cybersecurity and data security, and federal agency accessibility.

The Chamber appreciates Congressman Fuller and his staff for their engagement and looks forward to continuing these conversations during the upcoming Washington, D.C. Fly-In.

Dobbins Day for County Commission

On August 3, in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the 94th Airlift Wing, the Cobb Chamber's Team Dobbins hosted a Commissioners Day at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. The Cobb County Board of Commissioners met with Lockheed Martin leadership to discuss the company's economic impact on the region, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Marietta facility. Commissioners also met with leadership from the 94th Airlift Wing, including Commander Col. Diane Patton, to learn more about Dobbins' mission, economic impact, and contributions to national defense. The visit concluded with a tour of a static C-130 aircraft, giving attendees a firsthand look at the equipment and personnel supporting airlift operations.

Commissioners Day underscored the value of sustained collaboration between local government, industry, and the military in advancing economic growth, workforce development, and national security in Cobb County.

Cobb County Dobbins Stakeholder Meeting

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid invited leadership from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Congresswoman Lucy McBath, members of the state legislature, representatives from the federal level, and other stakeholders to a roundtable discussion regarding Dobbins and the community priorities that will shape the year ahead for our base.

The event started off with a welcome from Chairwoman Cupid and remarks from Congresswoman Lucy McBath, followed by presentations from each stakeholder including Col. Diane Patton, Commander, 94th Air Lift Wing; Keith McBride with the Georgia Tech Research Institute; Joe Ferrero, Deputy Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard; Alex White with Senator Ossoff’s office; Sheila Robinson with Senator Warnock’s office; Paul Seals with Congressman Barry Loudermilk’s office; Senator Kay Kirkpatrick; Representative Gabriel Sanchez; Amanda Seals with the Cobb Chamber; Drew Raessler, Director of the Cobb Department of Transportation; and Jessica Guinn, Director of the Cobb County Community Development Agency.

Marietta City Council – Data Center Approval

On August 12, the Marietta City Council approved Prime Storage’s application to convert existing warehouse space into a technology infrastructure foothold. During the meeting, supporters and opponents were given an opportunity to share their perspectives. Speaking in favor of the project, Dana Johnson, COO of the Cobb Chamber, highlighted benefits including new construction and IT jobs, as well as improved connectivity and reduced latency for businesses across the City of Marietta. The application was approved by a 5-2 vote.

Conversations in Democracy – Oct. 30  

The Cobb Chamber is pleased to announce the next installment of our Conversations in Democracy series, scheduled for October 30 in partnership with Pillars of the Community, an organization dedicated to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process. The panel will feature Pillars of the Community Co-Chairs Bob Bauer and Ben Ginsberg, two of the nation's most prominent election lawyers who, despite spending decades as chief legal rivals on opposite sides of the aisle, have forged a bipartisan partnership to strengthen trust in American elections. Together, they co-chaired the Presidential Commission on Election Administration and have been on opposite sides of many of the nation's most contentious election disputes over the last four decades.

This series brings together community leaders, subject matter experts, and Chamber members for constructive dialogue on civic engagement, election integrity, and active participation in our democratic process. The October event will offer an opportunity for meaningful discussion and community connection as we work to foster civil dialogue around today's political landscape.

Registration will open soon — stay tuned for additional details.

Cobb Chamber Childcare Tax Credit Seminar on Nov. 16

On Monday, November 16, in partnership with the Cobb Community Foundation, the Cobb Chamber will host a Childcare Tax Credit Seminar for employers on available federal and state childcare tax credits. Attendees will receive practical information on eligibility requirements, potential savings, and recent updates affecting childcare-related tax benefits. The event will also feature knowledgeable professionals available to answer questions on how these programs can support workforce participation and help address the childcare challenges facing businesses and employees across our region.

Additional details will be available soon — stay tuned for further communications.

If you have any questions about the Cobb Chamber Government Affairs Committee, the Cobb Chamber legislative priorities or advocacy in general, please reach out to Amanda Seals, Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations, or Coleman Loftin, Senior Manager, Government Affairs and Advocacy.