Opinion: Trump’s failed trade war has drowned Maine’s lobster industry

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 24, 2020

As the Maine Lobster Union representative who works with fellow lobstermen everyday, I’m deeply concerned about the impact President Donald Trump’s failed leadership has had on our industry. His trade war led China has proven especially devastating on top of a poorly managed pandemic that has led to the worst economic crisis in recent memory. While demand for lobster has declined, the costs associated with lobster fishing have continued to increase, as Trump’s reckless trade war has made it more expensive to purchase the materials used to construct boats and lobster traps. The future of lobster fishing here, the future of all small businesses here in Maine, is on the ballot. If we elect Biden president, I know our state will be on a roll once again. ~ Dave Sullivan, Richmond, Maine Lobster Union