Senator Murray, along with several Washington state officials, strongly criticized former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, warning that they could significantly damage the state’s trade-dependent economy.
“That extra tax won’t affect billionaires like Trump and Elon Musk, who don’t shop for themselves or worry about everyday needs,” Murray said. “But it will absolutely hurt working families across Washington state.”
Trade Powers Washington’s Economy—and Tariffs Could Disrupt It
Senator Murray emphasized that two in five jobs in Washington exist because of international trade. This makes the state one of the most vulnerable to global trade disruptions. She warned that Trump’s ongoing trade war risks hitting farmers, fishers, and manufacturers even harder than before.
“These jobs depend heavily on our relationships with Canada, Mexico, and other trading partners,” Murray noted. “When those relationships suffer, so do our local economies.”
Local Leaders Raise Alarms About Economic Fallout
Joe Nguyễn, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, pointed out how tariffs could destabilize major sectors.
“Tariffs disrupt lives and industries. They impact companies like Boeing, our ports, farmers, and even our tech sector,” he explained. “We’ve worked hard to build these sectors, and tariffs could unravel that progress quickly.”
Meanwhile, Rianne Ham, International Marketing Program Manager at the Washington State Department of Agriculture, stressed that agricultural exports face immediate risk.
“The uncertainty surrounding these tariffs and the threat of retaliation hurt our competitiveness,” she said. “We’re already losing market share and damaging relationships with our trade partners.”
Balance Between Fairness and Stability
Representative Dan Newhouse acknowledged the complexity of the situation. He pointed out that although fair trade is essential, retaliatory tariffs often target agricultural products first.
“Yes, we want fair trade,” Newhouse said. “But we can’t ignore the real damage these tariffs can do to our exports. It’s a two-edged sword. We need to proceed with caution.”
Washington Has a Lot to Lose
With so many jobs tied directly to trade, Washington’s economy remains highly exposed to global policy shifts. The proposed tariffs could reverse years of economic growth and strain critical industries.
As a result, state leaders are urging the federal government to reconsider, favoring smart, sustainable trade policies over volatile tariffs.
“This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about livelihoods, families, and the future of our state,” Murray concluded.
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