ITIC was founded 98 years ago and members include Apple, Cisco, Dell, eBay, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle SAP, Twitter and Sun.

“Our opposition to tariffs is pragmatic. Tariffs do not work,” writes Garfield, “instead of tariffs, we strongly encourage the administration to build an international coalition that can challenge China at the World Trade Organization and beyond.”

“Numerous countries share the United States’ concerns about China and its unfair trade practices,”says Garfield, “the United States is uniquely well-situated to lead that coalition.”

“China has promised open and fair trade, but has instead promulgated rules, regulations, and practices aimed at encumbering non-Chinese companies,” he adds, “this current approach cannot be sustained.”