WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after the U.S., Canada and Mexico reached an agreement to remove tariffs on steel and aluminum products.

“Today is a great step forward for free and open trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada. While these tariffs were in place, many companies in Kansas and throughout the country struggled with the price increases on steel and aluminum. This agreement will help businesses recover from lost profits. Now that these tariffs are removed, it is time to pass USMCA, which will help provide certainty for our farmers and ranchers,” said Sen. Roberts.

The agreement lifts the 25 percent tariff on steel and 10 percent tariff on aluminum.

Earlier today, Sen. Roberts met with Ambassador Gregg Doud, Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, to discuss this positive news and updates on pending trade negotiations. Kansas is fortunate to have both Ambassador Doud and Ambassador CJ Mahoney, both Kansas natives, taking part in these trade negotiations.

From his post as both Chairman of the Agriculture Committee and as a senior member of the Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction on trade, Roberts has long been outspoken on the benefits of increased access to foreign markets for American businesses, farmers and ranchers. Roberts has taken his concerns directly to President Trump and senior administration officials.

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