Friday, June 29, 2018

Cleaver: We need trade deals, not trade wars

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU) will not only hurt relations with our trusted allies, but hurt America’s farmers and manufacturers. I guess the President considers them collateral damage.

American Farmers need trade deals, not trade wars. US pork farmers could lose $100 million annually.

Missouri farms are already dealing with thin margins. They do their best to deal with Mother Nature but any other unforeseen issues that hurt their bottom line can be detrimental or potentially devastating to an operation.

We are already seeing the impact in Missouri with the Harley Davidson Motorcycle plant shipping jobs overseas. Other businesses are also forced into lay-offs.

If you haven’t already, read some of the latest reports. The Mid Continent Nail Corporation is being hit hard with layoffs and facing possible closure due to a 25 % tariff on steel imports. The Harley Davidson has moved operations overseas in response to the European Union’s retaliatory tariffs.

I spent much of this week speaking about the harmful effects of these tariffs and will continue to do so.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Yes, Congressman Cleaver, we have heard about the nail manufacturer and Harley Davidson. We're watching our allies being battered and despots being pandered to by the administration. Today's headlines include North Korea continuing its nuclear program, more tax breaks for corporations, children still separated from their parents by immigration ... Tomorrow there are mass demonstrations planned across the country. Yes, Americans are aware of what's happening ...