In case you missed it, Tariffs Hurt the Heartland recently hosted a virtual roundtable discussion featuring Pennsylvania farmers, business owners and manufacturers that are being negatively impacted by President Trump’s trade war with China.
Leaders across several industries shared how the elimination of tariffs would help their businesses navigate and survive the complexities of the market, especially now in the midst of COVID-19. Sherril Mossee, founder and CEO of MinkeeBlue said,
“When the tariffs hit, I was really devastated because I had little money to begin with, and [tariffs] impacted my business tremendously. I’ve been working tirelessly trying to figure things out while I try to navigate tariffs, manufacturing, and trying to make sure that I stay relevant in the market.”
Speaking to the impact that Pennsylvania farmers have experienced, Dennis Wolff, owner of Pen-Col Farms in Millville, shared:
“The trade war has been devastating to [Pennsylvania] agriculture, agriculture across the United states, and rural America. There is no question that when a farmer goes out of business it not only impacts that farm and [their] family, but it also hurts the surrounding areas in rural Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania taxpayers have paid over $1.6 billion in additional taxes because of the trade war. What’s worse, tariffs could cost 84,800 jobs in Pennsylvania.
Craig Allen, President of the U.S.-China Business Council shared how an additional deal must be made to provide tariff relief:
“The continued use of tariffs is really causing a lot of damage in both countries, and the sooner that we are able to reach a Phase Two agreement, the better it will be for distillers, farmers, and manufacturers all across the country.”
Now is the time to end tariffs.