By Cindy Squires, Executive Director, International Wood Products Association, www.iwpawood.org
As with almost everything so far in 2020, this year’s presidential election has been almost entirely unprecedented. With both candidates’ travel restricted it seems like the campaign has been restricted to twitter, constant political ads, and President Trump’s daily news conferences. But as summer turns to fall, the campaign will inevitably tighten as both sides promise that they alone can lead the country out of the COVID crisis and bring back sustained economic growth.
As in many recent election cycles, global trade – especially the importation of products manufactured abroad – continues to be vilified. President Trump has found China to be an effective political cudgel. He repeatedly claims that he has taken billions from China (in tariffs paid for by U.S. importers) and stated that going forward he will impose tariffs on any business that moves manufacturing outside the U.S. Vice President Biden has suggested that President Trump’s trade war with China has harmed the U.S. economy, and that a more collaborative approach to countering China would be more productive.
Both on its own and as a member of groups such as the National Association of Manufacturers and the Americans for Free Trade Coalition, IWPA continues to work to educate policymakers about how free and open trade benefits American families and stimulates economic activity here in the U.S. Recent studies have found that 39 million U.S. jobs are supported by global trade and that imports save the average U.S. family $13,600 each year.
While trade is a convenient villain for some political leaders, there are many Senators and Representatives who are committed to Americans’ “Freedom to Trade.” In addition to our activities in Washington, it is important for business leaders like you to reach out to your Congressman and Senators to help them understand how shortsighted protectionism would affect businesses like yours. IWPA urges its members to invite Members of Congress and their staff to their facilities.
I’m sure many of the busy executives among the Import/Export Wood Purchasing News readership have already taken advantage of the early and mail-in voting opportunities that are becoming more pervasive these days as election officials grapple with the COVID crisis. If not, I would simply encourage you to take the time to vote. Yes, there are extra risks this year and we must take special precautions to protect our own health and that of those around us, but in addition to the presidency there are other important questions such as control of the Senate, your statehouse, and local matters that affect you each day. No matter who you favor, it is important that your vote as a leader in your community and our industry is counted. With the increase in mail-in voting, we should all be prepared to wait for the outcome of the election. Many states do not start validating and processing mail-in ballots until after the polls close. I for one will miss the late night tally of the results.
It remains to be seen whether our political dialogue will calm down once the 2020 election is in the rearview mirror or if we’re in for continued division and gridlock for years to come. It is my sincere hope that leaders in Washington, of any political stripe, will approach their work with a commitment to finding constructive solutions to the many challenges facing our nation. Your vote matters so please do safely get out and vote!
