Senator Hassan Meets with Granite State District Export Council, Discusses President Trump’s Trade Policies
Senator Hassan meets with Granite State District Export Council.
PORTSMOUTH – Senator Maggie Hassan today discussed the importance of international trade for Granite State businesses with members of the Granite State District Export Council, where she also highlighted the importance of supporting innovative businesses.
The Granite State District Export Council consists of members appointed to four-year terms by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and brings together experienced international business professionals who provide support, advice, and assistance to New Hampshire companies looking to enter into or expand into international markets. The mission of the organization is to support and encourage exports in order to boost economic growth locally and create jobs. For more information, visit here.
“International trade is a cornerstone of our economy in New Hampshire, and when trade is done right, it helps our innovative businesses compete – creating jobs and spurring economic growth,” Senator Hassan said. “The work of the Granite State District Export Council is critical in these efforts, providing key support and advice to New Hampshire businesses looking to enter or expand into new international markets. I am focused on supporting your work – ensuring that our businesses can trade on a level playing field, and that you have the resources and support you need to thrive in the international marketplace.”
Senator Hassan also addressed concerns that she has heard from the business community regarding President Trump’s trade policies, which are already negatively impacting many New Hampshire businesses.
“I am concerned that the President’s decision to impose these new tariffs on steel and aluminum seems to be the result of a haphazard process that didn’t thoroughly evaluate the implications of this action,” the Senator said. “I am also concerned that the Administration is going after our allies such as Canada with these tariffs, with the claim that they pose national security threats. We should support and promote fair and open trade – but these actions are resulting in a trade war – that as we are already seeing – is impacting a wide range of New Hampshire businesses.”
The Senator emphasized the importance of holding China accountable for their unfair trade tactics, but doing so in a way that does not harm Americans workers and businesses. The Senator also discussed her efforts to support New Hampshire’s innovative businesses, including bipartisan legislation she is cosponsoring with Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) that would help mitigate the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Granite State businesses by requiring the President to submit a report to and obtain approval from Congress regarding any tariffs determined as necessary in the interest of national security. The Senator also highlighted the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which recently passed out of the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and would strengthen the workforce pipeline in order to meet the needs of businesses in New Hampshire and across the country.
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