05/14/2019- As the trade war with China heats up, the question locally becomes how those struggles could affect the manufacturing industry, particularly when it comes to the construction of naval vessels. Officials from Washington paid a visit to Fincantieri Marinette Marine Monday to address those issues and get an inside look at the shipyard’s operations and progress of the LCS program. Among them was Dr. Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President and Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy. He says the White House is working to lower the US trade deficit with China and keep more Americans like those at FMM working.
Also in attendance Monday was Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer. He said the visit to the local shipyard was an important reminder of how seemingly small players can have an impact at the national level.
Dr. Navarro and Secretary Spencer made several other stops throughout the state Monday, meeting with businesses, as well as students to speak more about the future of manufacturing and how a strong industrial base contributes to bolstered national security.