The picture shows the office building of the US International Trade Commission where the hearing is held. (Photo: VCG/ Deng Mei)

An officer of a US retail group warned that Americans would be severely affected on proposed tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese products.

Hun Quach, the vice president for international trade at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), testified before the 301 Committee on August 24 and walked through "a day in the life" of American consumers.

It was the fifth day of public hearings regarding proposed tariffs on approximately $200 billion worth of Chinese products held by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

Quach used very graphic language in describing the impact of the new tariffs on the daily lives of American consumers.

“The alarm clock rings as you wake up to start your day. Your back hurts. Need a new mattress? Better buy it soon. Mattresses are on the proposed 301 tariff list. 301 is a bed tax.

“You walk into the bathroom. Everything you need to get ready in the morning – from bar soap, make-up, electric shavers, hair appliances and accessories, and even your toilet paper will get hit with the 301 tariff.

“Dinner time. Healthy proteins like frozen shrimp, salmon, shellfish, even fish sticks. In fact, hundreds of food items are on the 301 tariff list,” said Quach at the hearings.

RILA official website said Quach listed a number of everyday products that would be subject to tariffs, including back to school items like backpacks, paper, glue and household items like pet food, paper plates, flooring and furniture.

“The Administration made the commitment to put minimum pain on consumers. We urge the Administration to keep that commitment to the American people,” Quach said in her testimony.

RILA is one of the most important industry associations in the US, and its members include Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and many other US retail giants.

“We strongly encourage the Administration not  to impose any more tariffs while the United States and China are working on a negotiated settlement,” Quach told US government officials at the hearings.

Earlier this month the Office of USTR announced that it would hold public hearings from August 20 to August 24, and on August 27 on proposed tariffs on approximately $200 billion worth of Chinese products.