In response to President Trump’s 5^th September Executive Order, American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) President Bruce Bridges and CEO John W. Ford Sr. visited Washington, D.C. during the week of 15^th September to engage directly with policymakers on import tariffs affecting gemstones.

During their trip, Bridges and Ford held meetings with Cabinet agencies, the White House, and trade officials at the US Trade Representative’s Office, as well as with U.S. Senators and House members, including Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Representatives Darrell Issa, David Rouzer, Ronny Jackson, Mike Bost, and Randy Weber.

The Executive Order allows for the possibility of zero reciprocal tariffs on products “that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States,” and Annex III specifically includes gemstones under Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP).

AGTA’s delegation expressed appreciation for the inclusion of gemstones while seeking clarity on implementation. Officials confirmed that reciprocal trade and security agreements must be negotiated with individual trading partners before tariff reductions can take effect. US trade negotiators also welcomed AGTA’s offer to engage source countries directly to support active trade discussions.