June 22 2018 02:24 PM

Tariffs on Chinese goods and retaliation will hurt Wisconsinite’s jobs and pocketbooks

The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind released the following statement, following the announcement that the Trump Administration will be imposing tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese products, and the subsequent announcement of retaliation by the Chinese government.“Once again, this Administration has shown a complete disregard for Wisconsin’s farmers, workers and families by threatening access to affordable equipment for manufacturing, medicine, and agriculture. With China’s immediate response to the President’s actions, it is clear we are now in the throes of a trade war with the world’s second largest economy.

We know that there are widespread Chinese trade abuses – including rampant intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and mandated joint ventures, but isolating the United States in the fight against this pattern of abusive trade practices is dangerous and counterproductive.

Instead of a go-it-alone approach, the United States should work with our allies to create a comprehensive strategy to bring China to the table to address these issues, and protect Wisconsin jobs.”

In reaction to the impact of tariff retaliation against the agriculture industry, President Trump was quoted saying, “Our farmers are great patriots. They understand that they’re doing this for the country. And we’ll make it up to them.” (April 9, 2018). Rep. Kind has called on USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue and USTR Robert Lighthizer for an outlined plan to protect farmers against the economic impact of retaliation. The requested comprehensive plan to protect farmers has not been provided by either Sec. Perdue or Amb. Lighthizer.

China, the world’s second largest economy, has threatened to retaliate against U.S. exports, including pork and soybeans.