RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after President Trump announced new import tariffs for dozens of countries that will go into effect next week — and a 35 percent rate on imports from Canada, Virginia’s largest trading partner, effective today.

“The Trump Administration’s reckless and chaotic trade policies have caused uncertainty and harm to Virginia businesses and our economy for months. And today, Virginia families will start feeling the impact of what is effectively a tax hike. Virginians are already being squeezed by high prices — and these reckless tariffs are doing nothing to make life more affordable. This announcement is just one more example.

“Unfortunately, the Youngkin-Sears Administration has cheered on these tax hikes and applauded potential trade wars. And while families face impending cost increases, Virginia businesses try to plan for the future amid this chaos, and Virginia’s crop and livestock producers grapple with uncertainty, our statewide leaders are refusing to stand up for them. Agriculture is Virginia’s number-one private industry, and the loss of markets and increased costs will be catastrophic for the Virginians who keep the industry strong. Virginians deserve a Governor who will put them first, no matter who is in the White House.

“Virginia’s families, farmers, and businesses need a Governor who is focused on lowering costs and building an economy that brings new opportunities to every corner of our Commonwealth. That’s why I’ve laid out real plans to find new markets for Virginia exports, protect Virginia agriculture, and make sure Virginia is a stable trading partner with other countries — plans that I’ll work to implement on day one as Governor.”

BACKGROUND

Last month, Spanberger announced her “Growing Virginia Plan,” which focuses on growing Virginia’s economy and creating job opportunities for Virginians across the Commonwealth.

Specifically, Spanberger’s plan will grow trade opportunities for Virginia businesses by:

• Helping Virginia’s farmers and number-one private industry, agriculture, expand their markets.
• Supporting the Port of Virginia and the jobs it creates in Hampton Roads — as well as the industries it supports across the Commonwealth.
• Helping Virginia small business owners market and sell their products abroad.
• Committing to being a stable trading partner with other countries.
• Leveraging all tools available to protect Virginia companies from chaos in Washington.
• Reinforcing Virginia’s role as a global leader in the fields of national security, defense, shipbuilding, and cybersecurity, due to Virginia’s significant military presence.

Earlier this year, Spanberger rolled out her “Affordable Virginia Plan” to lower healthcare, housing, and energy costs for Virginia families.

As a Member of Congress, Spanberger worked with both parties to pass the bipartisan United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which facilitates stronger trade partnerships between the three countries. During USMCA negotiations, Spanberger brought the ideas and concerns of Virginia workers and Virginia businesses directly to the Trump Administration.

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