Groups affiliated with the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD) are drafting proposed changes to the tariff reform bill sent to Congress by the Fernández Government two weeks ago, says the newspaper Hoy. AIRD members are disturbed that the government’s proposal leaves the tariff levels for many primary materials at high levels, some as high as 20%. While AIRD is not publicizing the content of its proposal yet, it reportedly is in line with a proposal recently put forth by CONEP. CONEP suggested capping tariffs for all primary materials at 20%, then instituting three cuts of 15%, 8% and 3%, with zero tariff rates set for agricultural and textile materials not covered by the "technical rectification" the DR made to the Uruguay Round global trade agreements. AIRD reportedly will submit its proposal to the Chamber of Deputies next Wednesday.
