Members of the North Carolina State Senate Democratic Caucus sent a formal letter to the state’s congressional delegation, calling for bipartisan action to end President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, according to NC Newsline. The 18 senators who signed the letter warned that without swift intervention, the tariffs could cause lasting harm to North Carolina’s economy.
“Our furniture manufacturers in High Point and Hickory, our thriving auto dealerships, our agricultural sector that feeds America and the world, and countless small businesses that form the backbone of our communities will all bear the crushing weight of these misguided trade policies. Moreover, every North Carolina family will feel the sting of higher prices at a time when many are still recovering from recent economic challenges,” the senators wrote.
The letter highlights the potential fallout from a trade war: Soybean farmers in eastern North Carolina could lose access to key markets, furniture makers in Thomasville might face soaring costs for raw materials, and auto plant workers could see their jobs at risk as consumer spending slows.
The senators urged both Republicans and Democrats in Congress to support legislation that would immediately repeal the tariffs, emphasizing the need for unity to protect North Carolina’s economic future.
“The time for action is not tomorrow, or next week, or after the next election cycle. The time is now,” the letter states.
While President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries on Wednesday, he simultaneously raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%. The initial pause briefly boosted markets, but by Thursday, investor optimism had faded, wiping out much of the previous day’s gains.
In response to the escalating trade tensions, Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) told a group of western North Carolina business leaders last week that he supports Trump’s use of tariffs as a negotiating tool.
Democratic Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) criticized the administration’s back-and-forth, saying it has only hurt working families and destabilized markets.
“To be clear, the 10 percent baseline tariff that remains in place will continue to raise prices for consumers and hurt North Carolina families. It’s time for Republicans in Congress to stop giving Trump a free pass as he threatens to upend the global economy and start standing up for the American people,” Ross said in a statement.
A new study released by the Yale Budget Lab estimates that the tariffs could cost U.S. households an average of $4,700 this year through increased expenses.
Original Source – https://ncnewsline.com By: Clayton Henkel
Photo Credit – Spencer Platt/Getty Images
