WCIT members advocated for a robust trade ecosystem during its annual D.C. Fly-In. The Fly-In brings together businesses of all sizes, agricultural producers, manufacturers, exporters, ports, and various stakeholders, all of whom play pivotal roles in international trade. It is a time to jointly advocate in person with members of Congress, the Administration, and trade policy experts.
Our goals are to:
- Deliver a message of the importance of international trade to the economy in the Northwest and what policies can foster or hamper it
- Work with the Administration on efforts to expand markets for U.S. goods and learn about their recent efforts
- Hear from policy experts on the current lay of the land, what is on the horizon, and how WCIT members can help
Historically, our members of Congress from the Northwest understand the value of trade to our economy. Still, they must continue to hear about the vital role trade plays in our region’s economy and how they can help.
Who did we meet with?
The group met with the members of Washington state’s Congressional delegation, majority and minority professional staff from the Senate Finance Committee, and the Acting USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. We also had briefings with several trade policy experts on the current state of play.
While the meetings with policymakers are the top priority, advocacy is a two-way street. Being informed, updated, and equipped to navigate the ever-evolving terrain of international trade is critical for advocacy and sound business decisions.
What was our message?
With a broad group of attendees, each can talk about their successes or challenges. Some of the messages we delivered were:
- Trade equals jobs in the Northwest. Jobs and livelihoods are at risk if the US continues to sit on the sidelines.
- A path forward in the Asia-Pacific region since the U.S. dropped out of the TPP. Pacific Northwest companies are now losing opportunities with countries that are part of TPP.
- The ongoing discussions about the best de minimis policy and its impacts on Washington’s ports
- The competitive disadvantage of tariffs between the U.S. and other countries for the same goods
- The importance of a stable relationship with China as a trading partner
How can you be more involved?
WCIT’s public policy work is a benefit of WCIT membership. If your company or organization is already a WCIT member and you want to be involved, send us a note at info@wcit.org.
If you are interested in membership in WCIT, you can learn more here, and we will reach out to you.
