WASHINGTON, D.C. — Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood's 18th District is made up of huge manufacturers like Caterpillar and farmers that are struggling as the President and his Administration increase tariffs on China’s imports from 10% to 25%.
“It’s no secret that China is responsible for decades-long abuse in trade practices, such as forced technology transfers and the stealing of intellectual property; and I have supported this Administration’s effort to hold China accountable. The reports that the Chinese have reneged on previous commitments are serious and the Administration has the right to go after China for failing to keep their word, however, our agriculture community is hurting,” Rep. LaHood said in a statement issued Friday.
But there's another side to the issue that's causing problems in rural Illinois.
“In Illinois, access to the Chinese market is vital for our farmers and increasing tariffs will exacerbate current anxiety in our agriculture community and harm American consumers. As negotiations continue, I urge both sides to come together and resolve this impasse.”
The Trump Administration has sent a delegation to China to discuss the ongoing stalemate.
