According to a statement published on its official website, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced that it is actively working from its sphere of action to address the situation related to the “Report on Nicaragua’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Labor Rights, Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the Rule of Law,” issued this week by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
The PCA emphasizes that this remains a sensitive and active discussion in which it is engaging alongside coordinating associations, stakeholders, administration officials, and Congressional allies.
In this regard, the document highlights that the PCA Government Affairs team has participated in over two dozen discussions on the topic since the report’s release on Monday evening, with additional meetings planned for the coming days or weeks.
“Effective advocacy does not always involve grassroots engagement or public messaging, especially on complex trade policy issues, and that is why the association is approaching this with the utmost discretion. We do not recommend adjudicating the report online or submitting non-substantive comments to the official docket, as neither will aid the industry’s advocacy to protect the premium cigar sector.”
The PCA will file comments within the established deadlines, either jointly or independently, asserting the impacts on U.S. small businesses and employees if the report’s recommendations—such as increased tariffs and/or the suspension of Nicaragua from the CAFTA-DR treaty—were to take effect.
“The association will update members on matters related to this topic as developments occur, while maintaining discretion to avoid jeopardizing the effectiveness of any advocacy strategy being executed.”
