May 17,2019

Grassley Welcomes End to Metal Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

“The Trump Administration Has Done Its Part. Now It’s Congress’s Turn.”

NEW HARTFORD, IOWA – U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released the following statement regarding the agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada to end U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada and Mexico as well as retaliatory tariffs from Mexico and Canada on U.S. products.
 
“The biggest hurdle to ratifying USMCA has been lifted. This is great news for farmers across the country. Iowa pork, soybean and corn farmers can breathe a sigh of relief that they will once again be able to sell their products in Canada and Mexico on a level playing field. The resilience of American farmers has paid off.
 
“I thank President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer and the Canadian and Mexican governments for working to reach this agreement. I made no secret that these tariffs had to be lifted for USMCA to pass Congress. The Trump administration has done its part. Now it’s Congress’s turn.
 
“I look forward to working with the House of Representatives and my colleagues in the Senate to make sure USMCA passes this year. I hope Democrats won’t stand in the way of a win for the country. USMCA is better for American workers, farmers, manufacturers and service providers than its predecessor NAFTA. I’m eager to work with Democrats to help deliver much-needed certainty to our country.
 
“Lifting these tariffs clears the path to passage in all three countries. I’m optimistic that this renewed sense of momentum will carry USMCA across the finish line. This will also allow us to work with our Canadian and Mexican allies on the real source of the problem when it comes to overcapacity of steel and aluminum: China.
 
“As Ambassador Lighthizer has said, passing USMCA is critical to U.S. credibility on trade. As negotiations continue with China and others, ratification of USMCA will show that the United States can be trusted to follow through on its commitments. It’s up to China to show that it can do the same.”
 
Grassley had been a vocal opponent of the continued metal tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Writing in the Wall Street Journal last month, Grassley said, “If these tariffs aren’t lifted, USMCA is dead. There is no appetite in Congress to debate USMCA with these tariffs in place…This essential step is fully within the administration’s control and would immediately clear a significant hurdle to passage.”
 

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