Coons argues tariffs won't revive Delaware's manufacturing jobs

On a recent broadcast of NewsNation's "On Balance," Senator Chris Coons from Delaware discussed the implications of tariffs, particularly regarding imports of steel from China and Russia. He expressed that tariffs imposed on what he termed 'dirty steel' could help level the playing field for American manufacturers. However, he cautioned that such tariffs should be applied sparingly, especially against close allies. Coons emphasized the need for legislation to assess the emissions intensity of American industrial products to showcase their compliance with high environmental standards compared to foreign competitors. Coons elaborated on the challenges faced in the manufacturing sector in Delaware. He pointed out that large tariffs are unlikely to revitalize the state's steel or automotive plants in less than five to ten years due to the persistently high costs of manufacturing in the U.S. He recalled the closure of a century-old steel mill in Claymont, Delaware, and two auto plants, emphasizing that high tariffs alone won't resurrect these industries or attract new investments instantly. The senator expressed concerns about the effectiveness of measures taken by the previous administration to restore manufacturing in the U.S. He specifically noted that there used to be a robust bipartisan-supported program called the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provided essential support to small and medium-sized manufacturers. However, the program faced significant cuts from the Department of Commerce during the Trump administration, which has raised questions about the commitment to genuinely restoring manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. versus merely imposing tariffs on foreign products. Coons believes that intelligent investment in domestic manufacturing, rather than protectionist tariffs, is critical for long-term growth and sustainability. As Coons remains engaged in ongoing legislative efforts with Republican Senator Kevin Cramer, the discussion surrounding tariffs continues to be a contentious issue, blending economic policy with environmental considerations. Their collaborative efforts aim to create a clearer understanding of American manufacturing's ecological footprint and to foster a competitive edge globally by demonstrating that American products adhere to stricter emission standards compared to those from competitor nations like China and India.