Lobbying for Tariff Relief: John Sununu’s Role with Akin Group
Former U.S. Senator John Sununu of New Hampshire, after his tenure in the Senate concluded in 2009, joined Akin Group, a lobbying firm known for representing major corporations in tariff matters.
The mechanics of tariffs involve an additional tax imposed on foreign goods, primarily affecting American importers who often shift this extra cost to consumers through increased prices. The authority to impose such tariffs lies with the federal government, which can target specific products or foreign nations.
Corporations have the option to request tariff relief from the government. Such relief can come in the form of exemptions, refunds, or reduced rates. However, these savings seldom benefit consumers, as companies typically retain the monetary relief instead of reducing prices.
During the period from 2010 to 2016, Akin Group received $760,000 for lobbying efforts on behalf of the Tariff Action Coalition. This coalition, comprising companies like Bayer, Honeywell International, and Syngenta, sought relief exceeding $20 million in tariffs.
While it remains uncertain whether Sununu directly engaged with the coalition, he mentioned in a Fox News interview last year that his experience in the private sector gave him insights into managing tariffs.
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, broad tariffs were enacted, affecting several countries and products, consequently causing a significant surge in retail prices. Sununu commented on the necessity for Trump to seek more congressional input on tariff policies, yet he acknowledged the president’s approach as “very fair.”
In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated some of Trump’s tariffs last year, compelling the government to refund $166 billion in collected duties. Large corporations received the majority of these refunds, while small businesses and consumers saw minimal benefits.
In a March interaction with WMUR, Sununu was questioned about who deserves these tariff refunds. He refrained from offering a definitive answer.
“I don’t have a legal answer to that question,” Sununu stated. “It should go to whoever paid it. It should be done in a simple, clear, effective way. It is a bit of a mess. There’s no question about that. But I think given today’s computerized systems, the way it was paid, there ought to be a pretty straightforward way to pay it back.”
Sununu is currently pursuing a return to the Senate, with Rep. Chris Pappas running against him as the Democratic candidate.
