Letter to the Honorable Robert E. Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative - Ernst Urges Trade Representative to Reconsider Harmful Tariffs

Letter

Dear Ambassador Lighthizer:

As the United States continues bilateral trade negotiations with China and the Section 301 Committee prepares for its public hearing on May 15, I write to urge you to reconsider the tariffs on Chinese imports and pursue policies that enhance American competitiveness, rather than reduce our access to foreign markets.

As Chairman of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I recognize the complex threats we face when protecting our nation's intellectual property, both for our economy and security.

Furthermore, I believe the President is right to increase pressure on China to change its ways. At the same time, the United States should foster more dialogue to expand international market opportunities for our country's goods and agriculture around the globe and use these contributions to reduce the trade deficit.

Already, we are seeing the danger these tariffs pose on the United States' exports. Recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture revealed that Chinese importers have curbed shipments of soybeans and cut orders of pork. The data also showed that sales of soybeans have fallen from 8.3 million bushels during the first week of April, when the trade dispute began, to just 290,000 bushels during the final week of April.

With South American countries like Brazil and Argentina eager to gain and aggressively pursue global market share for key agricultural products, China is an increasingly important market from which U.S producers can't afford to lose access. Furthermore, the Administration's action could hurt global supply chains and lead to higher consumer prices. Experiencing a sixth consecutive year of declining farm income, hardworking farmers and ranchers are already struggling to remain profitable and make ends meet.

It's my hope that the Trump Administration will reconsider these tariffs and pursue policies that enhance our competitiveness, rather than reduce our access to foreign markets. The Administration must pursue trade policies that make the U.S. a partner of choice for nations that may otherwise turn to less free and democratic nations for trade. I look forward to continuing the dialogue about these concerns as the Administration negotiates toward a solution with China.

Sincerely,

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