ALLENTOWN — U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., is continuing his fight to help Pennsylvania workers, consumers, and job creators that have been hurt by the trade war with China.

Companies across Pennsylvania are seeking relief from tariffs imposed by the United States on goods and materials imported from China and from retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on American-made products. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer is expected to soon finalize a “Phase One” agreement with Chinese officials that should lead to a reduction in tariffs on goods imported from China as well as lower tariffs on American exports. The details, and the degree to which tariffs are cut by both parties, are unknown.

To that end, Toomey has written to Lighthizer asking him to ensure that the “Phase One” agreement leads to universal tariff reductions between the United States and China.

“As you know, the trade war with Beijing has come at the expense of significant harm to a number of my constituents, both as a result of U.S. tariffs on China and China’s retaliatory tariffs on Pennsylvania products,” Toomey wrote. “That is why I was pleased to hear reports that the Phase One deal will include a critically important commitment from the U.S. to cut tariffs on many goods. As you finalize the agreement, I ask you to ensure the deal covers both section 301 and retaliatory tariff relief for Pennsylvania importers and exporters.”

Over the past 18 months, Toomey has petitioned the office of the USTR to provide relief to companies across Pennsylvania that have been harmed by the trade war with China, including General Electric in Bradford.