Wyden: Commerce Department Needs To Do Its Job

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross went before senators Wednesday to explain the Administration’s long-term plan when it comes to escalating trade tension with allies as well as China.  During Wednesday’s hearing, Oregon senators Ron Wyden told Ross northwest farmers at this point are waiting for the Commerce Department to “do its job”.  Wyden said he’s heard from potato growers worried about what the future hold in store.

“They export nearly 1/3 of what they grow, and will now face tariffs in key markets like Mexico.  I’ve heard from Pacific Northwest cherry growers who have gotten nearly 1.5 million boxes of cherries ready to ship to China.  They are worried those cherries are going to end up stuck on the dock, or rotting in a warehouse."

Wyden said the tariffs on steel and aluminum will impact Northwest small breweries that need the metals for cans, vats, piping and more.  He said rather than this war of words, he would rather see a strong, well planned strategy from the Commerce Department.  He said that would bring the full economic strength of the United States and our allies to bear on China’s trade cheating.

“That would give confidence to American farmers, manufactures and service firms, rather than creating yet more bedlam and chaos.”

Wyden added if the Administration pursued that route, he believes there would be bipartisan support in the Senate.  For more of Wyden’s remarks to Ross Click Here.

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