ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish spoke against across-the-board tariffs during a Friday morning press conference hosted by Minnesota’s senior Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. They were joined by Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council President Dan McConnell.

President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on China and has stayed for 30 days a 25 percent additional tariff on Canada and Mexico. Energy resources from Canada will have a 10 percent tariff. Tariffs are taxes charged on goods imported from another country.

Nearly half of Minnesota’s exports went to Canada and Mexico in 2023 – totaling $10.4 billion, according to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. More than 118,000 jobs in the state are supported by exports, according to the Office of U.S. Trade Representative.

“It’s frustrating to see the Trump administration pursue tariffs again,” Wertish said. “Farmers haven’t fully recovered from 2018 when Trump imposed tariffs during his first administration, even with the checks the administration issued from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Instead, China invested in Brazil and Argentina, enticing those farmers to plant more soybeans. Those actions not only cost U.S. farmers money, but also likely contributed to deforestation and increased climate volatility by bringing more acres into production. Farmers have paid checkoff dollars for years to develop relationships with trading partners. Now, our trading partners wonder if they can trust our word or our trade agreements as the tariffs create uncertainty in the marketplace.

“The 25 percent additional tariff on potash from Canada will add $1.70 per acre for raising corn and $1.42 per acre for raising soybeans,” Wertish said. “Farmers don’t have the ability to levy that tax on those who buy their grain. I’m concerned these tariffs will lead to a drop in farm income and force farmers off the land. We need more farmers, not fewer farmers.”

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, X, Bluesky and Instagram.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org).