Port Jobs Could Suffer Effects of Tariffs, Trade Groups Tell USTR

The American Association of Port Authorities urged the U.S. trade representative to consider the economic impact of tariffs before implementing them. "While AAPA does not comment on specific trade sanctions, prior to implementing any trade remedies or sanctions, we urge you to carefully consider the negative impacts these actions would have on port and other trade-related American jobs nationwide, including the effects of likely retaliatory responses from our trading partners," the trade group wrote to Robert Lighthizer on April 19.

The Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users and the American Institute for International Steel also mentioned ports jobs in their arguments against the Section 232 tariffs. A study from Martin Associates said the 34.4 million tons of imported iron and steel handled at the nation's seaports in 2016 supported 26,432 jobs with an average salary of $53,796. The direct business revenue from those imports was $4.2 billion, the study said. AAPA said cargo imports are not the only matter to be considered. "For every $1 billion in
exports shipped through U.S. seaports, 15,000 jobs are created," the letter said. "We support and
encourage steps focused on expanding exports rather than creating new import restrictions."