WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement in response to the president’s announcement on steel and aluminum tariffs:

“Kansas is an export state, and our ability to make a living is directly tied to our ability to sell the products we grow and manufacture to people around the world. These tariffs will harm auto, aerospace and other manufacturers in Kansas by risking retaliation against our exports, including food and agricultural products. I would strongly urge the president to reconsider the impact these tariffs will have on future ag exports, the five million manufacturing and related jobs that use steel or aluminum in addition to the added costs to consumers and American manufacturers who will pay higher prices for inputs, goods and services.

“I am pleased Canada and Mexico are exempt from the tariffs announced today. However, when I met with ambassadors to Canada and Mexico this week I reiterated my concern that holding the threat of tariffs over the heads of our North American allies will only escalate trade tensions at time when we ought to be focused on reaching an agreement on a modernized NAFTA - the outcome of which couldn’t be more important to Kansas.”

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