Trade

In Washington, international trade supports 40 percent of jobs and creates economic growth. Our export economy relies on access to international customers - especially to sell the agriculture products that farmers produce here at home. In fact, Washington is the most trade-supported state in the nation. As economies in the Asia-Pacific expand, our Central Washington retailers, manufacturers, and agriculture producers are well-positioned to strengthen our trading position through effectively-negotiated agreements that reduce trade barriers. To benefit our local economy and create jobs, our producers need a level playing field to offer world-class products to overseas customers. In addition to promoting engagement in the world market, increasing the stability of the supply chain is also critical for our economy. Preventing another devastating West Coast ports shutdown, when a disagreement between labor and port management dragged on for months and damaged our economy and reduced our market share, is a top priority of mine in Congress. I support increasing Washington’s competitive export economy through improving trade opportunities.