Global trade exec warns of 'extreme protectionism,' calls it damaging, futile
Seattle, Wash. - A global trade executive yesterday urged college graduates to reject “extreme protectionism,” calling it damaging and futile. Speaking at Central Washington University’s Kent, Wash., commencement, Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle asked his audience to instead embrace globalization.
“Don’t disengage from the world – don’t be part of the illogical rush to draw the drapes and turn out the lights,” the longtime international maritime leader told an audience of 5,000. “We see too much of it today in Britain, Italy, France…and right here in the U.S.”
As a Central Washington graduate, Class of ‘79, who has run two of the nation’s largest ports -- Oakland and Long Beach -- Mr. Lytle had practical advice for graduates: “Don’t shy away from hard work and show up on time.” But he saved his most forceful comments for a looming U.S.-China trade war. Both nations have introduced tariffs that threaten to disrupt international commerce.
Mr. Lytle warned that the moves could undermine free trade. “And free trade has been the backbone of worldwide economic growth,” he said.
Oakland’s Port boss called tariffs the latest example of misguided nationalism. He said they run contrary to the advance of globalization and trade liberalization. “Globalization is the story of the 21st century,” Mr. Lytle said. “It has produced an era of unprecedented, worldwide economic growth.”
Mr. Lytle said a Chinese trade war would economically damage Washington as well as his home state of California. Both states produce farm goods targeted by Beijing’s retaliatory tariff regime, he pointed out. Those products, ranging from fruit to nuts, are exported through the ports of Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma.
“What’s going to happen to those commodities with higher tariffs?” Mr. Lytle asked. “Prices will go up. Demand will go down. And China’s booming market for American exports will wither.”
Mr. Lytle predicted that a trade war with China would result in lost jobs and lost income. He also warned of lost opportunities for graduates.
Mr. Lytle urged graduates to explore opportunities worldwide as they embark on careers. He asked them to help combat the spread of protectionist measures that could jeopardize their future.
“Free trade and the world economy are what you grew up with,” Mr. Lytle said. “They’re what you know, and they’re what’s right for a world struggling to come together…not pull apart.”
