WCIT: Trade War Has Hurt Washington Economy Wide, Deep

The Washington Council on International Trade released a report earlier this month outlining out the ongoing trade war has hurt both the state’s Ag and non-ag economies.  Lori Otto Punke, WCIT president, said the U.S. should be working on a level playing field with other economies around the world.  However, she noted the current tariff-first strategy is creating uncertainty and risk.  She said growers and producers, from cherries, potatoes, milk and many other have felt the direct hit of retaliatory tariffs.

But Punke noted the trade war has had a ripple effect.

“In 2017 for example, 94,000 workers were employed by businesses and operations that were basically in the business of moving goods and services outside the U.S.  So, as we’ve seen a decrease in some of our exports in Washington state, we know that there are negative impacts potentially in places like our port systems.”

Punke noted for industries such as potatoes, its not just the fresh product that’s been impacted.  She said French fries and other frozen products have seen a hit.  Punke noted many in the Ag community are concerned what the lost trade relationships, and lost market share during this time of trade uncertainty.

“Supply chains that have taken, and trade relationships, that have literally taken decades to set up and establish.  And when the U.S. is not a reliable partner, or when there are changes made to supply chains, we know that Washington state is negatively impacted by that.”

Punke says the WCIT continues to work with lawmakers in D.C. so they see just how this trade war is impacting the Evergreen state.

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