'I just don't believe anybody wins a trade war quite honestly.’

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) appeared on CNN’s “New Day” Thursday to discuss his concerns with the administration’s plan to enact aluminum and steel tariffs, and the significance of trade for Wisconsin and the country.

Excerpts from Senator Johnson’s appearance are below and video can be found here.

“Being the senator from Wisconsin, what I do know about NAFTA is Wisconsin actually has a trade surplus with both Canada and Mexico. One thing that's lost in this whole conversation when we talk about trade and deficits - I would much rather export $2.3 trillion and have a trade deficit than have a trade surplus and only export $1 trillion.”

“Our trade posture can really be an effective foreign policy tool, do an awful lot of good, we can wield an awful lot of influence because of that. If we start engaging in trade wars, I just don't believe anybody wins a trade war quite honestly. There may be people that are harmed less, maybe America is in a better position, but I think there's so much collateral damage, it's a very risky and dangerous strategy.”

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