Dr. Eric Wargotz today released the following statement after Barbara Mikulski finally noticed China’s huge tariff increases on poultry, nearly one month after Wargotz called for action to protect Maryland farmers from predatory trade practices:

“Where was Barbara Mikulski when this issue first came to light?  Waiting a month hoping a problem will go away before reluctantly taking action is not leadership, it’s dereliction of duty.  While I thank Sen. Mikulski for finally noticing a potential crisis, Marylanders demand that our representatives be responsive to citizens’ needs, especially when thousands of jobs are at stake.  Barbara Mikulski is simply unfit to serve us any longer.”  

Dr. Wargotz’s original statement on September 30, 2010 follows below:    

“China’s decision to impose huge new tariffs on American poultry is deeply troubling for its potential to cause serious damage to Maryland’s economy.  Predatory and retaliatory practices are not the actions of a trading partner interested in a mutually beneficial relationship, and free trade only works if the playing field is level.  Maryland poultry farmers are relying on our government to stand up and show real leadership on this issue, and I strongly urge the president and US Trade Representative to do whatever is necessary to prevent more job losses in these already volatile economic times.”