Larsen Calls on Administration to Resolve Mexican Tariffs Issue
For Immediate Release
Contact: Emily Halnon
(202) 225-2605
March 5, 2010
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) took action to help farmers and businesses that are suffering from an ongoing issue with Mexican tariffs. This week, Larsen spearheaded a bipartisan letter signed by 56 Members of Congress to Ray LaHood, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Ambassador Ron Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative, urging the administration to work to eliminate these tariffs that are devastating local industries. This letter is the second that Larsen has sent to the Administration about this issue.
“Farmers and businesses are have been devastated by these tariffs. In agriculture alone, 12,000 jobs are at stake,” said Rep. Larsen. “In this economy the last thing these folks need is to bear the financial burden of unfair tariffs. The Administration needs to work quickly to resolve this issue and level the playing field for our local businesses and prevent job loss.”
In response to the termination of a cross-border truck program, Mexico imposed tariffs on over 90 U.S. agriculture and industrial products. These goods now face import duties between 10 and 45%. U.S. businesses are struggling to compete in the Mexican market as a result of these tariffs.
“Over $2 billion in exports to Mexico from American farmers and businesses have been affected by these tariffs,” said Rep. Larsen. “At a time when export promotion can spur job creation and economic development, we can not afford for our businesses to be handicapped by these tariffs.”
Larsen and other Members of Congress sent a letter to President Obama in March of 2009 to urge the administration take prompt action to eliminate the tariffs. Many U.S. companies are being forced to shift production abroad or simply stop shipments.
“This trade environment is unsustainable,” said Rep. Larsen. “We need a solution now to ensure jobs are saved and businesses stop suffering. I will continue to work hard to see that these tariffs are removed and our farmers can begin exporting the products to Mexico again, and creating jobs at home. ”
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