More Fords Headed to South Korea Might Be Good For Tacoma

On Sunday the Tri-City Herald quoted Marilyn Strickland strongly in favor of a long-stalled trade agreement with South Korea that would reduce that country’s tariffs on American goods. The agreement may be up for a vote in coming weeks, and while some union and environmental groups worry about the impacts of the potential deal, Strickland and others point to the prospective benefits for Tacoma if more goods start flowing through the port.

Washington cherries could be a dollar per pound cheaper for South Koreans, the 45% tariff on Washington apples would be phased out, and larger American goods would benefit from lowered prices as well. I can see it now: South Koreans cruising in their Ford Focuses, happily munching on a Washington-grown fruit salads… Win-win?