Ports urge careful consideration of trade sanctions

American Association of Port Authorities tells U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer that sanctions could hurt jobs at ports, tax revenues.    In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has expressed concern about the impact of potential trade sanctions on ports and the nation’s economy.
   “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,” said the letter, which was sent last week by Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and chief executive officer.
   Nagle said cargo moving through U.S. ports supports more than 23 million American jobs.
   “Seaport cargo activity accounts for over one-quarter of the U.S. economy, generates nearly $4.6 trillion in total annual economic activity and is responsible for $321 billion annually in federal, state and local tax revenues,” Nagle said.
   “With today’s worldwide supply chain, American manufacturers, farmers and businesses often rely on ports to handle the raw materials and semi-finished components needed for production here in the U.S. These imports enable U.S. manufacturers to export their products and enhance their international competitiveness,” Nagle wrote.