Coal Exports Decline as Industry Shifts
Seattle's coal industry faces a slump, prompting local mine owners to lobby for protectionist tariffs against Australian imports.
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One great weakness is the great decline in coal shipments. Two years ago more vessels were coming here right along for coal cargoes than could get berths at the bunkers, and they had to await their turns for loading. Now but very little is being shipped, the total for the past week being less than 800 tons. The proprietors of the coal mines are beginning to agitate in favor of a higher tariff to shut out Australian coal and thus make a market for the home product.
“The proprietors of the coal mines are beginning to agitate in favor of a higher tariff to shut out Australian coal.”
Coal was once a foundation of the Seattle economy, but the volatility of the industry and international competition plagued the city's early development. Today, the debate over trade and energy independence continues to shape regional politics.
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