FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2019
CONTACT: Jane Harris
206-800-2300
media@wcit.org
WCIT Comments on Escalating U.S.-China Trade War
“The Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) is disappointed by President Trump’s threat to impose a 10 percent tariff on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese imports next month. Washington state consumers and businesses could suffer significant harm if the new tariffs take effect and the on-going trade war with China escalates.
“The products that the administration is likely to target with the new tariffs include a wide range of retail goods, from baby strollers and backpacks to laptops and life jackets. Consumers could face harm in the form of higher prices as they gear up for back-to-school and holiday shopping.
“WCIT continues to support the goal of leveling the playing field for U.S. companies doing business in China by seeking structural reforms in the Chinese economy, particularly around market access and intellectual property protections.
“But tariffs are a blunt instrument that hurt the economy. China is Washington state’s largest trading partner, so tariffs place a heavy burden on our businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers.”