Recently, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined forces with organizations representing the oil, gas, and clean energy sectors to convey their "concerns" regarding President Donald Trump's tariff policies to the government. This joint effort underscores the domestic sector's worries about Trump's tariff policies.

During a panel discussion hosted by the American Clean Energy Association on March 25, senior industry officials voiced their concerns, urging the White House and the government to pay attention to the potential fluctuations in the energy market, businesses, and consumers resulting from its trade policies. Frank Macchiarola, the chief advocacy officer of the American Clean Energy Association who moderated the discussion, stated bluntly, "The actions of the Trump administration in recent weeks have created significant uncertainty in the business community and the markets." He further noted that there is "a great deal of uncertainty regarding the direction of government trade policy, and the markets clearly have not fully grasped the President's intention to use tariffs as leverage."

 

Marty Durbin, Senior Vice President of Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, revealed that the Chamber had contacted Trump's campaign team a year ago, clearly indicating the importance of tariff policy while also expressing concerns about the use of tariffs. Durbin emphasized, "Tariffs are indeed an appropriate tool when used for national and economic security, but when applied broadly, they effectively become a tax paid by American consumers, while the President repeatedly insists that tariffs are taxes on foreign entities and not on consumers." Additionally, Durbin pointed out that the government's tariff strategy has shown arbitrariness in its implementation. Although the President's commitment to using tariffs is clear, there are many variables in the specifics of implementation. However, given the recent flexibility shown in the President's statements, Congress is currently taking a wait-and-see approach, and the Chamber will strive to communicate concerns regarding the use of tariffs with relevant parties.

 

Dustin Meyer, the senior vice president for policy, economics, and regulatory affairs at the American Petroleum Institute, also stated that the core message the trade organization delivers to the government is that the energy sector is a significant aspect of trade policy and should ensure that the trade vision does not threaten its development. He hinted that the disputes over tariffs with Canada and Mexico could likely disrupt the president's energy dominance agenda. Meyer mentioned that although the U.S. oil industry produces around 13 million barrels of oil per day, the daily demand is between 18 to 19 million barrels, thus still requiring imports. As an ally and due to its proximity, Canada is an ideal import choice, with prices lower than West Texas Intermediate (medium oil). After importing, these can be used in midwestern refineries and subsequently exported as high-value products to the Gulf Coast. Similarly, when Texas has a surplus of natural gas, it can also be transported to Mexico, which not only releases oil production in the Permian Basin but also helps balance trade. Meyer emphasized: "The United States is currently the world's largest producer of oil and gas, a net energy exporter, and the largest liquefied natural gas exporter, all of which benefit trade balance. Therefore, it should be ensured that the broader trade vision does not conflict with the vision of energy leadership."

 

In summary, multiple key teams within the United States have expressed opposition to Trump's tariff policy from different perspectives, highlighting the issues present during the implementation of the policy and the potential threats to various aspects such as the U.S. energy market.