SEATTLE, Wash. – Trade equals jobs, especially in the Northwest, where so much of our economy hinges on the ability to trade goods and services freely. The President’s announcement today of more sweeping tariffs and retaliatory actions against our top trading partners is troubling, unraveling decades of hard work.
Lori Otto Punke, President of WCIT, underscored the broad impact of President Trump’s actions, “History demonstrates the path to trade restrictions is littered with unintended consequences. Consumers face higher prices as they are already reeling from inflation. Innovative manufacturing firms employing Americans in rural areas are squeezed as supply costs increase. Our technology leaders face taxes and restrictions for being innovative and successful. Our farmers, feeding the world, watch as whole markets are closed.”
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:
- What Do the Tariff Threats Against Canada, Mexico, and China Mean for Washington?
- What Do the Tariffs Against Canada, Mexico, and China Mean for Oregon?
- 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.