Digital camera juggernaut GoPro Inc. has hired Whitaker Strategies to lobby on Capitol Hill in light of President Trump’s ongoing trade war with China.
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San Mateo, CA-based GoPro, which makes action cameras as well as a line of drones, manufactures its products in China. Company founder and CEO Nick Woodman has said in recent months that GoPro might now move its U.S.-bound production out of China in light of the escalating trade war.
Trump, who’s hit China with a series of tariffs since the beginning of the year, signed a memorandum in March imposing a 25 percent tariff on $50 billion of Chinese goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, blaming China for unfair licensing practices as well as theft of intellectual property.
Three rounds of tariffs have since been imposed on a total of $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, the latest coming in September, when the Trump admin announced it had added a 10 percent tariff increase on $200 billion worth of Chinese products, which would increase to 25 percent at the beginning of next year. Additional tariffs were threatened if China retaliates.
Dozens of U.S. trade associations, as well as members of Congress, have raised concerns over the economic impact these measures would have on the U.S. economy and consumers.
Woodman has said that GoPro hasn’t yet been impacted by the tariffs.
GoPro saw above-estimate revenue returns during 2018's second quarter after a rocky 2017.
The GoPro account will be handled by Whitaker Strategies principal Stephen Whitaker, who was previously a staffer to the House Ways and Means Committee.
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