Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, will be impacted by the trade tensions between the United States and China, especially by Washington's tariffs on aluminum and steel, a local business leader said here Wednesday.

Speaking at a seminar on Chinese investment in the United States organized by the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA, Bob Harvey, president and CEO at Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), an economic development organization serving the Greater Houston area, said China was "a hugely important trade partner" of Houston, second only to Mexico.

The current trade tensions with China and "decisions made today" could strain future bilateral relations and the booming Houston economy, Harvey said. Houston is a primary consumer of aluminum and steel and Washington's tariffs on aluminum and steel imports would harm its economy, he said.

Harvey said Houston values China as an important trade partner and wants to maintain healthy business ties. His organization is making efforts to maintain a healthy business relationship with China, he said.

"We are a loud voice in favor of free trade," he said, adding that the GHP has repeatedly told the current administration about the importance of maintaining dialogue with China to work out issues.