North Carolina-based group, Our AG Future, launches TV ad campaign to raise awareness of the negative impacts of the duty drawback repeal

Our Ag Future, an initiative of the NC Chamber, launched a six-figure ad blitz highlighting the negative impact of the “duty drawback” provision in the reconciliation package that passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Duty drawbacks allow American exports to recover tariffs on imported goods that are later exported. The reconciliation package that passed the U.S. House repeals duty drawbacks, and industry experts warn that this move would disproportionately impact North Carolina farmers, especially those who grow tobacco.

The six-figure ad campaign targets North Carolina’s Senators, Thom Tillis and Tedd Budd, with a clear message about the negative impacts of this specific provision in the reconciliation package. Our AG Future will work through advertising and grassroots engagement in hope that the Senate will drop this provision in the final bill, saving North Carolina jobs.

Ray Starling, General Counsel at the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, commented on the need for this campaign:

“Our state’s farmers are already navigating volatile markets, rising costs, and trade imbalances — the repeal of duty drawback would hit them hard. Duty drawback is a commonsense trade tool that allows American producers to remain competitive in a global marketplace. Repealing it would be a needless, self-inflicted wound on one of North Carolina’s most vital industries and contradict President Trump’s America First agenda. Let’s work together and fix this before it’s too late.”