WASHINGTON DC (May 13, 2019) — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles "Chuck" Grassley of Iowa, a family farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the escalating trade war with China.
“I’m disappointed by the news out of Washington and Beijing about additional tariffs. Increasing US tariffs on Chinese products and the retaliatory tariffs from China will hurt both countries. This intensifies the urgency of reaching an agreement as soon as possible to end this trade war. President Trump shouldn’t give up on securing an enforceable agreement that holds China accountable for its abusive trade practices. Stalling, bullying tactics and threats to completely block American products from entering Chinese markets shouldn’t be rewarded.
“There’s no doubt Americans will be harmed, including farmers, businesses, and consumers in my home state of Iowa, if the additional tariffs take effect. Americans understand the need to hold China accountable, but they also need to know that the Administration understands the economic pain they would feel in a prolonged trade war.
“I urge the Chinese to show that they are responsible, reasonable actors in the global economy. For trade to be free, it must be fair and reciprocal, and all sides must respect the rule of law. Modern, sustainable economies don’t rely on forced technology-transfers, anticompetitive subsidies, or state-sanctioned intellectual property-theft.”
