Pascrell Statement on China Tariff Ceasefire, Trump NAFTA Threats

PATERSON, NJ – Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), the Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, issued a statement in response to a news report late Saturday evening that the Trump administration was issuing a 90-day “ceasefire” on its issuance of new tariffs against Chinese imports. Pascrell also responded to Trump’s threats to terminate NAFTA to force Congress to approve the new USMCA.

“It turns out trade wars aren’t easy to win. A ceasefire on more China tariffs and further negotiations are welcome. China’s unfair trade must be countered with strategic and thoughtful policies. While a ceasefire is welcome, questions remain. What exactly were the terms of agreement? How will we measure success? What is the plan to solve China’s constant disregard for U.S. IP rights holders? I will watch for answers, but so far I hear crickets. China’s non-market policies pose a myriad of problems for the US and global economies. Any long-term solutions must stem the flow of outsourcing and boost American jobs. That is the prism through which I assess progress.

“Neither Trump’s bellow Saturday night about terminating NAFTA to pressure Congress nor the President’s negotiating skills on China impress me. I’ll be watching whether this truce actually delivers or if Mr. Trump will just blow things up again.”

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