President Donald Trump reasserted his committment to free and fair trade policies, vowing to stop “stupid trade” polices and restore “reciprocity” in trade deals around the world.
During the event, Trump referred to trade deals with foreign countries that charged a 100 percent tax on some American-made goods, while the United States charged them zero taxes.
“People say, oh, that’s free trade,” Trump said. “No, that’s stupid trade. That’s really stupid trade.”
Trump made remarks in the East Room of the White House after touring an exhibit demonstrating Made In America products including a Caterpillar loader, a Hinckley Yacht built in Maine, and a fire engine from Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin.
The office of the U.S. trade representative Robert E. Lighthizer also released a 16-page summery of NAFTA renegotiation priorities, including an emphasis on trade reciprocity.
“My favorite word — reciprocity,” Trump said.
He vowed to restore a level playing field, quoting past presidents who vowed to protect America’s industries.
“No longer are we going to allow other countries to break the rules, to steal our jobs and drain our wealth,” Trump said.
Trump signed a proclamation declaring July 17th “Made In America Day.”
“We want to build, create, and grow more products in our country using American labor, American goods, and American grit,” he said.
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