State of Indiana Archives: on Free Trade
Andrew Straw:
Adjust NAFTA with 1% tariff to raise Mexican standards
Q: Would you support & expand free trade?A: Support, so long as it results in more American jobs at higher salaries and lower costs for imports.
Q: Does NAFTA result in more American jobs at higher salaries and lower costs for imports, in your
opinion?
A: I don't believe NAFTA resulted in higher American salaries, but some low-wage jobs were certainly created. It's the WalMart effect. NAFTA is a sort of constitution for North America and should be adjusted to more closely match our values.
Trade flows without impediment across the 50 states and the Founders felt that this would benefit all states. Perhaps the three NAFTA nations eventually will even out. We don't know how things will be in 100 years, but maybe we can adjust
NAFTA so that education and the environment are better in Mexico as a result. I would like to see a 1% tariff that would be used on Mexican schools and environmental protection.
Source: OnTheIssues follow-up with 2018 Indiana Senate candidate
Mar 2, 2018
Brad Ellsworth:
NAFTA has cost Indiana jobs
Ellsworth said Coats, who previously represented Indiana in the U.S. House and Senate, shouldn't have voted for the North American Free Trade Agreement because it cost the state jobs. Coats said open trade is important, and that trade barriers would hurt
the state. Coats said Ellsworth's support of Democratic programs such as the federal stimulus and health care overhaul are taking the country in the wrong direction.
Source: Washington Post coverage of 2010 Indiana Senate debate
Oct 25, 2010
Daniel Coats:
Trade barriers would hurt Indiana
Ellsworth said Coats, who previously represented Indiana in the U.S. House and Senate, shouldn't have voted for the North American Free Trade Agreement because it cost the state jobs. Coats said open trade is important, and that trade barriers would hurt
the state. Coats said Ellsworth's support of Democratic programs such as the federal stimulus and health care overhaul are taking the country in the wrong direction.
Source: Washington Post coverage of 2010 Indiana Senate debate
Oct 25, 2010
Eric Holcomb:
We're as likely to trade with Germany as with Georgia
Let's start with strengthening and diversifying our economy because I believe that is the linchpin to improving Hoosier lives. Everything is easier if you have a job. As we begin our third century, we see jobs and entire industries based on knowledge,
technology and innovation. And we're as likely to be trading with Germany and South Korea as we are with Georgia and South Dakota.
This really hit home to me again on a recent trade relations mission to London. I visited with the CEOs of three major global companies based there: Tate & Lyle--the biggest user of Indiana corn, AcelorMittal--whose Indiana Harbor complex is the largest
integrated steelmaking facility in North America, and Rolls-Royce--which makes more of its products here in Indianapolis than anywhere else in the world--and by the way just invested another $600 million here.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Indiana Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
John Gregg:
Unified strategy to promote Hoosier brand worldwide
A Gregg administration will work to rebuild Indiana's world-class network of trade offices and export assistance programs that supported small and medium-sized business. These offices and programs help to link Hoosier businesses with economic engines
around the world, translating to new business opportunities and more jobs. Indiana now maintains only 5 international offices, down from 14 in previous administrations.In addition, Governor Gregg will develop an integrated, coordinated state
export strategy that leverages the strength of existing initiatives. There is currently no coordinated state strategy to ensure a comprehensive approach to economic development.
To increase access to resources, Indiana will work closely with the
US Department of Commerce to maximize grant funding and promote Indiana as a pilot state for export initiatives. Gregg will develop a unified strategy to create and promote a Hoosier "brand" recognized around the world.
Source: 2016 Indiana governor campaign website GreggForGovernor.com
Aug 31, 2016
Luke Messer:
Free trade pacts haven't led to free trade
On fair trade: "You farmers know the difference between 'free' trade and 'fair' trade because you see it everyday," Messer said. "We need trade and it leads to prosperity but there are flaws in the way we've conducted trade policy the last
few decades." Many of the agreements in place haven't been enforced, which has left many foreign markets closed to U.S. goods, he explained. Some of the most protectionist policies around the world are ag policies.
Source: Connersville News Examiner on 2018 Indiana Senatorial race
Mar 13, 2016
Mike Braun:
2016: Voted against clawbacks for moving jobs to Mexico
While Braun has used his wealth to run ads criticizing politicians for putting "Mexico before Muncie" and "Beijing before Bloomington," he hasn't always been a critic of outsourcing. As a state legislator, he voted in 2016 against bipartisan "clawback"
legislation that would have allowed Indiana governments to recoup financial incentives given to companies that move jobs abroad. The legislation was proposed in the wake of Carrier Corp. announcing that it was moving hundreds of jobs to Mexico.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2018 Indiana Senate race
May 1, 2018
Mike Braun:
Trust Trump to negotiate tariffs on China
Economy: Support President Trump's tariffs on Chinese steel & other products?Braun: At first opposed. Now supports & trusts Trump to negotiate.
Donnelly: Support steel producers but concerned will cause harm to Hoosier farmers.
Economy:
Support restrictions on offshoring jobs?
Braun: Opposed law to recoup public financial incentives when companies move jobs abroad.
Donnelly: Yes. Restrict tax incentives for these companies & penalize in awarding government contracts.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Indiana Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Mike Pence:
Favors free trade, but not tariff dodging from China
Pence asked U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to look into U.S. Steel's allegations, including that Chinese steelmakers dodge tariffs by misrepresenting what country the steel comes from.
The (Munster) Times reports that U.S. Steel has filed a trade case that could result in a ban on all Chinese imports deemed unfairly traded. Pence says he favors free trade but he called U.S. Steel's allegations against China serious.
Source: Associated Press on 2016 Indiana gubernatorial race
Jan 15, 2014
Mike Pence:
Favors free trade, but not tariff dodging from China
Pence asked U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to look into U.S. Steel's allegations, including that Chinese steelmakers dodge tariffs by misrepresenting what country the steel comes from.
The (Munster) Times reports that U.S. Steel has filed a trade case that could result in a ban on all Chinese imports deemed unfairly traded. Pence says he favors free trade but he called U.S. Steel's allegations against China serious.
Source: Associated Press on 2016 Indiana gubernatorial race
Jan 15, 2014
Todd Rokita:
Supports international free trade agreements
Rokita helped lead passage of important trade legislation, which paves the way for international free trade agreements that will create higher-paying jobs, yield faster economic growth, and solidify U.S. economic leadership. Rokita made the following
statement following passage of the Trade Priorities and Accountability Act:"This legislation is about doing what is good for Indiana and America. International trade supports nearly 800,000 jobs in Indiana--more than one in five. With 96 percent of
necessary guardrails to restrain Presidential authority & retain Congressional oversight. This isn't a 'fast track' bill; quite the opposite. It's slow track."
The Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 passed the House by a vote of 218-208.
Source: 2015 press release for 2018 Indiana Senatorial race
Jun 18, 2015
Suzanne Crouch:
Led delegation to promote Indiana agriculture to Mexico
Crouch will be part of a delegation of agriculture and tourism leaders heading to Mexico to develop economic partnerships and strengthen agricultural ties. Crouch is leading the trip in collaboration with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the
Indiana Office of Tourism Development and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. An agricultural delegation will spend most of its time in Mexico City, working to strengthen ties and develop new markets for Indiana's agricultural products.
Source: WFYI (NPR radio) on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jul 2, 2019
Suzanne Crouch:
Cultivating relationships can open the door to new markets
[On leading international delegation]: "Manitoba is at the center of Canadian agriculture, so this trip is an excellent opportunity for us to, not only demonstrate our global leadership in the industry, but also cultivate our relationship with
Canada, which can open the door to new markets," said Crouch. "We look forward to visiting this province and building on the progress made during the governor's visits to Canada last spring."
Source: Inside Indiana Business on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Sep 10, 2018
Mike Braun:
America-first economic policy: prop up homegrown business
Jobs and the economy: A Hoosier businessman himself, Braun says he supports "America-first" economic policy and believes
Indiana should do more to prop up its small- and medium-size homegrown businesses.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Sep 17, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026