A Forbes report shows Louisiana is the state most at risk of being economically crippled by the escalating trade wars initiated by the Trump Administration. The study shows nearly 21 percent of the state’s GDP comes from exports, with five percent coming from Mexico and China specifically. Louisiana U.S. Congressman Garret Graves says he’s watching the negotiations closely.

“Do I like the fact that were having impacts in any sector of our economy, adverse impacts? No, but do I think if we play this right that we can actually get trade remedies? I think that would be great and I would fully support that.”

Graves acknowledged the risk factor that comes with playing hardball on trade with other nations, specifically for a state so reliant on international economic trade, but he says the risk may be worth the reward of better trade prices.

“Are you potentially playing with fire, and if you don't play these negotiations right could you potentially injure the US economy over the long term? Yes you could, but I think that this is consistent with what the president has talked about.”

Graves says a message needs to be sent to countries that discriminate against American goods.

“You can look at the taxes that China imposes on our cars being sent over there. There are outrageous protective measures that are in place. I don’t think it is ok to sit back and allow those to continue.”

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