USMCA has saved Washington businesses $126 million in direct tariff costs

High costs and a failing economy are hurting families and businesses in Northwest Washington. Now, President Trump is threatening to make matters worse with new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods that could send prices even higher next month.

The President has tried and failed to grow the economy through tariffs. There is a better path forward, and it starts with strengthening the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). What working families need are strong trade relationships that create good-paying jobs, lower costs, and give businesses the stability they need to grow.

Since 2020, USMCA has saved Washington businesses $126 million in direct tariff costs. Trade with Canada supports 2,200 jobs in Whatcom County, 1,400 in Skagit County, and 3,800 in Snohomish County. Those are jobs that help families buy groceries, pay rent, and put gas in the car.

Over the past year, I have also heard from more than 100 farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports, and others across Northwest Washington to understand how USMCA impacts our region. While there are different perspectives on trade policy, one thing is clear: Northwest Washington benefits from a strong and stable economic relationship with Canada and Mexico.

Trump's tariffs and reckless rhetoric toward Canada are taking us in the opposite direction. Businesses in the communities I represent have already faced rising shipping and manufacturing costs, uncertainty, and lost business because of the President's trade policies. Families should not pay the price because the President wants to pick pointless trade fights with our neighbors.

The United States now has an opportunity to enhance and renew USMCA and enforce the provisions of the agreement. The Trump administration needs to cut the BS and get to work. It is time to negotiate in good faith.

More soon,

Rick