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Trump hits closest allies with steel/aluminum tariffs

U.S Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says the U.S. will expand its steel and aluminum tariffs onto Mexico, Canada and the E.U. – and the head of Farmers for Free Trade says that will “open the floodgates to billions in new tariffs on American agriculture.” All of those countries reportedly are hitting back with retaliatory tariffs. Business Insider reports Mexico will impose tariffs on U.S. pork legs and shoulders, apples, various cheeses etc. The EU’s retaliation includes U.S. rice imports and Canada’s includes maple syrup and consumer goods.

Brian Kuehl says U.S. farmers will be greatly harmed and take many farming operations to the breaking point. And Kuehl warned, “American farmers overwhelmingly supported President Trump in 2016 but will not be silent in the face of trade wars that harm U.S. agriculture. This summer, as lawmakers return home, the voices of farmers who are bearing the brunt of trade chaos and uncertainty will be heard.  For many farmers, this is a matter of economic survival.  We will continue to fight to ensure the Administration is listening to America’s rural communities in the weeks and months ahead.”