By Andi Anderson
Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan recently voiced concerns about the potential consequences of tariffs on the state's farmers. With Mexico, Canada, and China being the top three agricultural trade partners, any trade restrictions could significantly impact the farming sector.
“Illinois Farm Bureau supports a rules-based approach to trade, and our farmers simply cannot afford the uncertainty of a potential trade war. Farm income has declined for a second straight year, and we know from experience that farmers and rural communities are the first to suffer from retaliatory tariffs. We are pleased that the administration is delaying tariffs on Mexico, but the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the potential for retaliation makes it difficult to plan for the future. We hope the administration will consider the economic impact on Illinois farmers and rural communities when contemplating tariff implementation.” said Duncan.
Export markets are essential for sustaining the agricultural sector. The Illinois Farm Bureau supports trade policies that expand market access, remove trade barriers, and promote fair agreements at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
Illinois plays a key role in national exports, ranking as the Midwest’s largest exporting state and the fourth largest in the U.S. In 2023, the state’s total exports were valued at $81 billion, with agriculture contributing $13.7 billion. Ensuring open markets remains crucial for the industry’s stability and growth.
Photo Credit: illinois-farm-bureau
Categories: Illinois, Business