BOSTON (AP) - Members of Massachusetts all-Democratic congressional delegation are pressing federal officials to find new exports markets for the American lobster industry.

The group led by U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey says the Trump administration’s trade war with China - and China’s 25 percent tariffs on imported American lobsters - are hurting local lobster companies, leaving them vulnerable to competition from Canada.

The lawmakers said at least two businesses in the state have been forced to cease operations, leaving 250 workers unemployed.

In a letter sent Monday to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the lawmakers said the federal government needs to boost efforts to help Massachusetts lobstermen whose livelihoods heavily relied on exports to China.

Also Tuesday, state lawmakers held a Statehouse hearing on the plight of the lobster industry.

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