South Bend Times

Yesterday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) participated in a roundtable with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The meeting was part of the Ways and Means discussions focusing on recent U.S. trade deals and future negotiations, highlighting Indiana's manufacturing and small business sectors.

"We had a productive conversation with Ambassador Greer," Rep. Yakym stated. "I’m encouraged by this week’s trade deal announcements with Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. These agreements will reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers for farmers, medical device makers, and manufacturers across Indiana’s Second District. I’m also hopeful for progress in talks with Indonesia on critical imports not found in the U.S., especially lauan wood, which is vital to the RV industry. I look forward to working with this administration to keep delivering real results, by standing up to global competitors and protecting American workers."

Earlier this week, President Trump announced new trade agreements with Japan and the Philippines while providing further details about an agreement with Indonesia. These deals aim to dismantle existing barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services.

The joint statement regarding Indonesia mentioned ongoing discussions about reducing tariffs on commodities "not naturally available or domestically produced" in the U.S., such as lauan wood—a crucial component for the RV industry centered in Indiana's Second District.