‘For years, Chinese companies have dumped inferior … seafood products into the American marketplace, and Louisiana industries have suffered.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump today asking that he place a tariff on Chinese crawfish and shrimp imported to the United States.  The text of the letter is below.

  

April 17, 2018

  

President Donald J. Trump
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write today regarding your efforts to impose tariffs on certain products made in China. I respectfully request that Chinese crawfish and shrimp be considered for addition to the product list if you decide to impose tariffs.  Including crawfish and shrimp would provide a much needed economic boost to the Louisiana seafood industry, which supplies the finest seafood in the world.  For years, Chinese companies have dumped inferior, sometimes fraudulent, seafood products into the American marketplace, and Louisiana industries have suffered as a result.  

The commercial seafood industry has a $2.4 billion annual impact on Louisiana’s economy but access to the Chinese market has been restricted by policies that discourage foreign competition.  If your administration must evaluate additional products subject to subsequent tariffs, I respectfully ask that you give full consideration to the inclusion of Chinese crawfish and shrimp.  Louisianans take great pride in their seafood, and this measure would reward hardworking Louisiana shrimpers, crawfish farmers, and consumers.  

Again, I am grateful for your consideration.  I would welcome the opportunity to share Louisiana’s great seafood with you and discuss this proposal’s benefits to my state.  Thank you for your service to America.

                                                                       

Respectfully,

 

 

 

John Kennedy

United States Senator

 

cc: The Honorable Sonny Perdue

      The Honorable Robert Lighthizer

      Director Larry Kudlow

 

 

 

 

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