By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis said a trade war with China would have a devastating impact for area farmers.
In the Twin-Cities Thursday, the Republican lawmaker said he’s working with the Trump Administration to reduce the consequences of getting tough with what he described as China’s unfair trade practices.
Davis is hopeful the U.S. and China can iron out their differences in the coming weeks, even as China imposes a 25 percent tariff on U.S. pork and soybeans and President Trump instructs the U.S. trade representative to consider adding another $100 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods.
“If they do go into effect, and if there is retaliatory tariffs against our agricultural products, people like me are going to fight like hell to make sure we fix it, and ensure that our farmers and our producers are not impacted by the unfair trade,” said the congressman.
Davis said he’s not sure yet whether standing up to China is worth the consequences.
Davis made his comments after touring the Bridgestone tire plant in Normal.
He said a manufacturing revival is underway which lead to high paying jobs at places like Bridgestone.
The challenge, said Davis, is to find qualified applicants to fill those positions. He said there’s more demand for tires because of increased mining in the U.S. and elsewhere.
“These products go onto these mining trucks, so global trade and economic growth in this sector that uses these tires are on the upswing,” said Davis.
“That’s why they’re asked to produce more here, and they’re going to be hiring more people here too,” he added.
Bridgestone currently employs about 400 workers at the plant on Fort Jesse Rd. in Normal.
Davis is working with Chicago Democratic Representative Dan Lipinski on legislation offering tax incentives for companies to provide apprenticeship programs.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
