Senator Maria Cantwell Warns Against Tariffs and Advocates for Innovation in Global Trade
At a recent event in Seattle, hosted by the Washington Council of International Trade, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) delivered a compelling message about the dangers of the Trump administration’s tariff policies, particularly for Washington state. Cantwell emphasized that innovation and strategic alliances, rather than trade wars, are the keys to maintaining global competitiveness. She argued that the Pacific Northwest, being one of the most trade-dependent regions in the country, faces significant threats from these policies. “The consequences to us in the Pacific Northwest is really a threat to our ethos,” she said, drawing attention to the region’s deep-rooted commitment to international trade. Cantwell likened the tariffs to placing unnecessary burdens on the state’s economy, comparing it to putting 25 pounds on a racehorse. “We believe that innovation matters more than the tariffs in a fight on who’s going to win in aerospace or agriculture or software or any of these issues,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of fostering innovation over protectionist measures.
A Call for a "Technology NATO" to Counter China
Cantwell also proposed an innovative approach to countering China’s growing influence in the tech sector, advocating for what she termed a “technology NATO.” This alliance would bring together the world’s most advanced democracies, including the U.S., India, Japan, and others, to establish common standards for technology. These standards would focus on ensuring privacy, eliminating government backdoors in products, and promoting trust in technology. “No one in the world should buy technology from companies that do not meet those standards,” she said, suggesting that such an alliance would create a unified front against China’s state-backed tech firms. This approach, Cantwell argued, would be more effective thancurrent strategies, such as spending taxpayer dollars to remove Chinese-made equipment like Huawei from U.S. networks. By creating a global consensus on tech standards, the U.S. and its allies could leverage market forces to counter China’s practices without resorting to costly and divisive trade wars.
The Threat of China’s Technology Practices
Cantwell highlighted technology as the central issue in the U.S.-China trade relationship, acknowledging that while opening Chinese markets to U.S. agricultural products is important, the immediate challenge lies in addressing China’s tech practices. “The biggest issue we have right now with China is on technology,” she said, pointing to concerns about government backdoors in Chinese products. She warned that allowing the proliferation of such technology poses risks to global security and privacy. Cantwell’s focus on technology reflects her broader belief that the U.S. must lead in innovation to maintain its competitive edge. By promoting alliances and shared standards, she argues, the U.S. can create a level playing field that prioritizes transparency and security over state-sponsored interference. This approach, she believes, would not only protect American interests but also align with the values of other democratic nations.
Defending the CHIPS and Science Act
Cantwell also addressed the importance of the CHIPS and Science Act, a $280 billion bipartisan bill passed in 2022 to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and invest in cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and clean energy. She played a key role in securing support for the legislation, which includes incentives for reinvigorating the U.S. semiconductor industry. However, the law has come under criticism from former President Donald Trump, who referred to it as a “horrible, horrible thing” in a recent address to Congress. Cantwell pushed back against Trump’s stance, warning that rolling back the CHIPS and Science Act would undermine the U.S. tech industry at a critical juncture. She also cautioned against tariffs on semiconductor chips, arguing that such measures would harm domestic manufacturers just as they are poised to benefit from the investments made possible by the Act. Cantwell emphasized the necessity of maintaining U.S. leadership in technology, calling it essential for long-term economic stability and global competitiveness.
Bipartisan Support and the WCIT Trade Summit
Cantwell’s appearance at the WCIT event was part of a broader discussion on trade policy that also featured several other members of Washington’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Dan Newhouse, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Emily Randall. The event highlighted the state’s bipartisan commitment to advancing a robust trade agenda, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle emphasizing the importance of international trade to Washington’s economy. Joining Cantwell in the Q&A session was Demetrios Marantis, a former U.S. Trade Representative and current president of the National Foreign Trade Council. Their conversation covered a wide range of topics, from the impact of tariffs on Washington industries to the need for strategic alliances in the face of global competition. Cantwell’s message resonated with the audience, as she called on policymakers to prioritize innovation and collaboration over isolationist trade policies.
A Call to Action for Building Alliances
In her remarks, Cantwell repeatedly stressed the importance of building alliances in an increasingly interconnected world. “In an Information Age economy, it is more imperative than ever to build alliances,” she said, emphasizing that the U.S. cannot afford to go it alone in the face of rapid technological change. She noted that trade with China, for example, predates even the Lewis and Clark expedition, and she urged policymakers to focus on finding ways to gain a competitive edge rather than simply scaling back engagement. “What I don’t think the president understands is how fast change is happening, how much innovation really matters in driving what you’re going to do and how you’re going to be successful,” she said, critiquing the Trump administration’s approach to trade. Cantwell’s speech ended with a call to action, urging Washington state to “be very loud” about the need for alliances and innovation in shaping the future of global trade. Her words served as a rallying cry for a forward-looking trade policy that prioritizes collaboration and technological leadership. As the world continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Cantwell’s message underscored the importance of adaptability, innovation, and transnational cooperation in securing America’s place in the global economy.
