It has been confirmed that President Donald Trump will impose tariffs on the United States’ largest trading partners starting Tuesday, sparking fears about the impacts that could have for American consumers.
I think we’ll have more business as [the tariff issue] ramps up,” predicted Brian McDonald, vice president of sales and marketing for Ohio-based Simplay3.
China, the largest buyer of Ohio soybeans, put a 10% tariff on all soybean imports in retaliation for the U.S. tariffs that went into effect Tuesday. Mexico, the second-largest buyer, tacked on a 25% tariff. Ohio Soybean Association Executive Director Kirk Merritt said it is not looking good.
Ohio farmers have not fully recovered from the 2018 trade war with China, which saw a 25% tariff on U.S. soybeans and a significant loss of their largest market. Portage County's Chuck Serre highlights the over 50% income drop since 2013,
Having been down this road before, Ohio farmers prepare for impact of tariffs levied on leading trade partners Canada, Mexico and China.