Cantwell Grills Ross Over Tariffs

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross went before the U.S. Senate Wednesday to address lawmakers concerns about tariffs and the trade war looming on the horizon.  Washington's Maria Cantwell asked Ross several questions specific to the Evergreen state's economy.

Cantwell said trade wars is a 1980s retro trade policy that ends up hurting many people and many sectors.  She was also quick to note that trade wars hurt Washington Ag, which ripples across the entire state economy.

“Not only do we have $10 billion plus in revenue in Ag in our state, we push through our ports about $182 billion worth of Ag products.  So, anything that affects Ag affects our state at large.”

Cantwell asked Ross what the Washington Ag community is to think as the war of words continues to escalate between the U.S. and China.

“How do you think this end game is going to support people who are in a sector that is paying the price in the short-term for as many of my colleagues have said this area of job recovery in one area, but means tremendous and failure in other areas if these tariffs continue.”

Click Here to watch Cantwell question Ross.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com