FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2019
CONTACT: Jane Harris
206-800-2300
media@wcit.org
WCIT Comments on US-China Phased Deal
The recent announcement of a “Phase One” deal is encouraging news for Washington State.
China is one of Washington’s most significant trade partners. 29% of Washington goods sent outside of
the U.S. go to China. Our state’s retail and manufacturing companies rely on China as part of global
supply chains, and, as a critical gateway to Asia. Washington port, freight and logistics workers benefit
from this trading relationship. Our high-tech industry sells more than $1.5 billion in services to this
market. As a result, trade tensions with China risk the 127,000 jobs that rely on this two-way trade.
While the “Phase One” deal appears to be more about buy commitments than structural reform in the
China market or the ending of the current “tariff-first” policy, we hope this initial agreement is a step
towards a more constructive and meaningful resolution. Representing our diverse membership of
high-tech firms, businesses, farmers, ranchers and workers, the Washington Council on International
Trade believes future negotiations should continue to seek ways to level the playing field. This includes
pushing for the removal of barriers for U.S. goods and services into China, including digital trade
barriers, enforcing current trade policies, addressing highly restrictive foreign investment rules, and
protecting our intellectual property from infringement. A more fair and open trade relationship with
China will benefit all sectors of the Washington State economy and help drive exports, services, and job
growth that are critical to our businesses, workers, farmers and communities throughout the state.
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ABOUT WASHINGTON COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE
On behalf of our members – manufacturers, farmers, retailers, service providers and non-profits – the
Washington Council on International Trade advocates for pro-trade policies and investments that
benefit Washington’s workers and employers. Trade paves the way for Washington-made goods and
services to reach foreign markets, provides Washingtonians with products that raise our quality of life,
and sustains family-wage jobs in numerous local industries. To learn more, visit us at
https://www.wcit.org.