WASHINGTON, D C. - U.S. Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer has reversed his earlier denial of tariff relief for Chinese-made pumphouses and e-collars used in hand sanitizer dispensers produced by Akron-based Gojo Industries.

The company is boosting hand sanitizer production to meet increased demands caused by the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio said Saturday.

Portman - a Republican who once held Lighthizer’s job - engaged with his successor to lift the 25 percent tariff that costs the company around $10 million, arguing the company’s Purell products are critical to the public health response to coronavirus. Lighthizer previously denied the company’s request.

“I’m pleased that U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer agreed that we cannot let tariffs prevent the distribution of additional, much needed hand sanitizer across the country,” said a statement from Portman. “I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that tariffs don’t get in the way of the production of vital goods American consumers need during this coronavirus crisis.”

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