The AF&PA is calling on the Office of the US Trade Representative to exempt Brazilian bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp from potential Section 301 tariffs, arguing that the material is indispensable to the US tissue industry and cannot be sourced domestically at commercial scale. The group submitted its formal comments as part of USTR’s ongoing investigation into Brazil’s trade practices. …On September 3, USTR will hold a public hearing to gather further testimony. AF&PA’s comments focus on the US paper manufacturing sector’s reliance on bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEK), which is sourced almost exclusively from Brazil. …The association argues that imposing tariffs on Brazilian pulp would harm US manufacturers by raising input costs and undermining the competitiveness of US-made tissue products both at home and abroad. …AF&PA also defended the sustainability of Brazilian eucalyptus pulp, stating that member companies source only from responsibly managed plantations certified by SFI and FSC.