NORRIDGEWOCK — U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and members of Maine’s Congressional delegation toured the New Balance shoe factory here Monday morning.

Froman, along with New Balance CEO Rob DeMartini, U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, and U.S. Sen. Angus King spoke to New Balance associates about their work and why they believe it’s important to save American manufacturing jobs by keeping existing footwear tariffs in place.

Froman toured the Norridgewock plant that has nearly 400 employees.

Afterward, he addressed the employees during an assembly.

He mentioned that athletic footwear was one of the most important and sensitive issues in the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement negotiations. The issue of athletic footwear will be discussed next month, he said.

The negotiations include Vietnam, a major manufacturer of athletic footwear.

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