Baldwin Has Mixed Feelings On Tariffs

MADISON, WI- (WGBW) – Chaos is the word U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin used to describe the roller coaster of tariff declarations, retaliatory tariffs, tariff pauses, and the stock market reactions over the past few weeks. Baldwin made her comments during a virtual town hall meeting for her Northeast Wisconsin constituents last week.

Baldwin said across-the-board tariffs punish our allies along with trade adversaries like China.

“I do think it’s appropriate to have tariffs and other sanctions. … So that we can level the playing field for our workers and our businesses,” said Baldwin. “But when it comes to our allies, the two biggest trading partners Wisconsin has are Canada and Mexico. In my mind, an across-the-board tariff on those two countries is tantamount to a federal sales tax for everybody. Because if your grocery store is paying 25 percent more for the produce they are going to put on the shelves in the grocery store, they’re going to pass it on. And we’re going to pay it all.

Baldwin said she was glad the across-the-board tariffs have been paused for now.

“I do not agree with these across-the-board tariffs!” Baldwin said. “It’s bad for families. They are already struggling to pay the grocery bill and fill up the car at the gas station. And it’s really hard for our farmers, our small businesses, and our manufacturers.”

Baldwin added that she hopes the pause on across-the-board tariffs enacted last week will become policy regarding our favored trade partners, such as Canada and Mexico.