SEATTLE, Wash. – Economic opportunity and job creation locally have long been driven by trading goods and services internationally. Consequently, additional costs to selling goods and services abroad through tariff policy are littered with unintended consequences – higher prices for families, more costly supply chains, and retaliations that hurt local businesses and farmers.
Lori Otto Punke, President of WCIT, emphasized the impact of tariffs on families, “Trade means jobs. 40% of Washington state jobs are tied to international trade, including imports, exports, and digital services. Jobs tied to trade pay more than other types of jobs. Tariff impacts will hit home with fewer sales and higher prices — ultimately, families will take the hit. Likely retaliation targets include iconic Northwest goods like apples, cherries, wine, coffee, dairy, seafood, and wood products.”
Punke offered a path forward, “We have a shared goal of strong economic growth and job creation. Enforceable trade agreements with allies and partners around the globe can do both. We are eager to work with the Administration and Congressional leaders on the best path forward.”
For additional resources, please see several WCIT publications:
- How the Proposed Trump Administration Tariffs Likely Will Impact Washington State’s Economy
- WCIT Northwest Trade Dashboard to track quarterly trends in key indicators
- Tariff Reductions Can Bring Inflation Relief
- Tariffs, US-China Tensions Impacting Washington State Trade
- The Pacific Northwest Global Trade Hub Report
- The Future of Trade: Positioning Washington State for Economic Growth in the Next Decade
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WCIT is the Northwest’s premier organization advocating for trade and investment policies that increase the competitiveness of Northwest workers, farmers, and businesses. Our diverse membership includes small and medium-sized companies, Fortune 500 businesses, and agriculture producers that together represent industries ranging from manufacturing, food, and retail to technology and science.