Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) published an op-ed in the Seattle Times pressing the Trump administration to renegotiate the U.S-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement.
“The President has tried and failed to grow the economy through tariffs,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “What the U.S. economy needs instead are strong, mutually beneficial trade relationships that create jobs and lower prices here at home… Renegotiating USMCA gives the U.S. the opportunity to improve and strengthen the agreement, but when all is said and done, it is critical for economic stability and lower prices that USMCA continues.”
Earlier this month, Rep. Larsen sent a report to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer summarizing over a hundred meetings and conversations that Rep. Larsen’s office has had with farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington over the past year.
“I wanted to hear directly from the people I represent about how USMCA impacts their families, businesses and communities,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “Recognizing that there are differing perspectives and voices on USMCA and trade policies among the constituents I represent, it is clear that businesses and communities broadly support and benefit from USMCA.”
This year, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed Rep. Larsen to be the top Democrat on the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, an organization that connects American and Canadian legislators to promote information sharing and better understanding on shared issues of concern.
Born and raised in Arlington, Washington, Rep. Larsen has a deep personal history with British Columbia and the U.S.-Canada relationship. As a member of Congress, he has been a leader on issues involving Canada, including trade, environmental protection in the Salish Sea and Pacific Northwest, the Arctic, security and border management.
Rep. Larsen’s full op-ed is available HERE and the text is below.
Why Trump needs to renegotiate U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement
High costs and a failing economy are hurting families and businesses in Northwest Washington. Now, the president’s new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods threaten to drive sky-high prices even higher next month.
The president has tried and failed to grow the economy through tariffs. What the U.S. economy needs instead are strong, mutually beneficial trade relationships that create jobs and lower prices here at home.
In the months ahead, the United States government has the opportunity to enhance and renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
The United States, Canada and Mexico signed USMCA in 2020 and the three nations conducted a joint review of the deal this year. The Trump administration chose not to renew USMCA in its current form, opting instead to spend the coming months renegotiating the deal.
In preparation for the joint review, I wanted to hear directly from the people I represent about how USMCA impacts their families, businesses and communities. In the past year my office met with more than 100 farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington.
On July 1, I sent a report summarizing Northwest Washington stakeholders’ perspectives on USMCA to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, whose agency is leading negotiations with Canada and Mexico. Recognizing that there are differing perspectives and voices on USMCA and trade policies among the constituents I represent, it is clear that businesses and communities broadly support and benefit from USMCA.
A strong USMCA would reduce tariffs and regulatory barriers, helping local businesses better compete and succeed in foreign markets. A long-term agreement would create a predictable and stable business environment, which companies and investors need to make long-term plans. The agreement would also simplify customs procedures, which saves time and money for businesses that move goods and products frequently over the U.S.-Canada border.
Renegotiating USMCA gives the U.S. the opportunity to improve and strengthen the agreement, but when all is said and done, it is critical for economic stability and lower prices that USMCA continues.
Thanks to USMCA, Washington state businesses saved $126 million in direct tariff costs since 2020, according to the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT). These savings reduce the cost of doing business and get passed along to everyday consumers. The president’s new, petty and pointless tariffs on Canada are just more fees for struggling American families and businesses to pay.
Washington state consumers, farmers and businesses can credit USMCA for keeping agricultural trade in North America largely tariff-free and expanding access to foreign markets for local farmers. USMCA lowers the price of food and other agricultural goods by ensuring that Northwest Washington and other U.S. farmers have buyers for their goods.
USMCA forged commitments and enforcement mechanisms to protect workers’ rights and the environment across North America. A renegotiated USMCA can and should strengthen those commitments and enforcement mechanisms.
Trade with Canada and Mexico supports 320,000 jobs in Washington state. In Northwest Washington, the U.S.-Canada partnership is especially important. Trade between Northwest Washington and Canada supports 2,200 jobs in Whatcom County, 1,400 in Skagit County and 3,800 in Snohomish County, according to Trade Partnership/Connect2Canada data. These jobs help families buy groceries, make rent payments and put gas in the car.
President Donald Trump’s tariffs and reckless rhetoric toward Canada have caused businesses to close in the communities I represent. Rising shipping and manufacturing costs, along with uncertainty resulting from constantly changing tariff policies, have pushed prices up and stopped companies and tourists from bringing their business to Northwest Washington.
Continuing USMCA will help restabilize the economic relationship between the United States and two of our largest trading partners. The Trump administration must cut the BS and get to work. It is time to negotiate in good faith to enhance and renew USMCA, and fully enforce the provisions of the agreement to help lower prices and create good-paying jobs.
Rick Larsen: is the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. He represents a portion of Snohomish County and all of Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties.
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