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CRA Testifies Before USTR on Section 301 Investigation
Washington, DC (April 29, 2026) - Yesterday, Cigar Rights of America’s (CRA) Executive Director Mike Copperman testified, alongside Cigar Association of America (CAA) President Scott Pearce, before an interagency panel representing the Departments of State, Health and Human Services, Treasury, Homeland Security, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The hearing marked the first day of USTR’s Section 301 investigation into the importation of goods made with forced labor.
CRA appeared as part of a panel of agricultural stakeholders, continuing its ongoing advocacy in the Section 301 process. This effort has included close coordination with CAA, and the Premium Cigar Association to present the case for premium cigars and advocate for their exemption from these tariffs.
In his testimony, Copperman underscored the premium cigar industry’s strong commitment to lawful and ethical labor practices while urging USTR to refrain from imposing additional tariffs on premium cigars.
“The premium cigar industry is an American-led success story built on small businesses, skilled labor, and transparent supply chains,” said Copperman. “Additional tariffs on premium cigars would not advance the Administration’s goal of combating forced labor, but would instead place a disproportionate burden on U.S. retailers, manufacturers, and consumers.”
In his testimony on behalf of the premium cigar industry, Copperman highlighted that premium cigars are overwhelmingly imported from key producing countries such as the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Because premium cigars have no domestic substitute, tariffs would result in higher costs across the supply chain, reduced consumer access, and economic harm to thousands of small, family-owned businesses throughout the United States.
Copperman also emphasized that premium cigar production is rooted in agricultural practices tied to specific geographic regions and generational expertise that cannot be replicated domestically. As a result, tariffs would not meaningfully influence foreign government behavior, which is the central object of the Section 301 investigation.
Importantly CRA and CAA specifically urged USTR to exempt all cigars, including premium cigars, classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, from any additional tariffs once the current tariff structure expires in July.
“CRA supports the Trump Administration’s efforts to eliminate forced labor from global trade,” Copperman added. “We stand ready to work with policymakers to ensure those objectives are met without unintended consequences for American small businesses and their employees.”
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About Cigar Rights of America (CRA)
Cigar Rights of America is a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of the premium cigar community and advocating for balanced, common-sense regulation. CRA represents cigar manufacturers, retailers, and consumers across the United States.
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