New England Council Weighs In on Tariffs
On February 28, 2025, The New England Council sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to urge the Administration to reexamine imposing tariffs on products exported to the United States. The letter outlined the concerns registered by a number of Council members as to how tariffs would affect our region.
Among the concerns was the impact that tariffs on energy products from Canada would have on prices for fuel, natural gas, electricity, heating oil, and propane. Concerns over tariffs on consumer goods such as lumber, construction materials, automotive parts, grocery products, and food packaging were also prominent among Council members. Further, reciprocal tariffs and the potential for backlash from trading partners raised apprehension for technology and medical innovation growth in New England.
The letter closed by stating that the Council supports free and fair trade while encouraging caution in implementing tariffs so as not to up-end prosperity, raise prices, endanger export markets, and stymie job creation. It was further stated that the Council would be pleased to work with Congress and the Administration on policies that will add jobs and grow the economy.