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U.S. Sen. Rob Portman concerned about Trump tariff battles

The United States and China launched a trade war with each other Friday.
Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) speaks to members of the media at the Capitol December 1, 2017 in Washington, DC. Senate GOPs indicate that they have enough votes to pass the tax reform bill.

CINCINNATI (AP) - A Republican senator and former U.S. trade official says he's concerned about the impact President Donald Trump's tariff battles will have on the Ohio economy.

Sen. Rob Portman, a U.S. trade representative during George W. Bush's presidency, says he supports being tough with China but would like to see more caution and more negotiation with the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

The United States and China launched a trade war with each other Friday. The Trump administration's tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from U.S. allies have also triggered trade retaliation.

Portman says that retaliation can hurt farmers, other workers and service providers. He says he's hearing concerns from people as he travels around the state.

Portman on Friday visited PreventionFirst!, an anti-drug coalition he's long been involved with.

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