By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is criticizing Canada’s latest retaliatory tariffs on Wisconsin products, warning that the measures could place additional pressure on the state’s farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, and rural communities.
The tariffs were introduced after the administration-imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, following the breakdown of trade negotiations. Baldwin said the continuing trade dispute is increasing costs for businesses while making it more difficult for Wisconsin companies to compete in important international markets.
“In recent weeks, I’ve traveled to every corner of Wisconsin to hear about how Donald Trump’s chaotic tariffs and war in Iran have made it harder for small businesses to make ends meet. Now, President Trump has decided to make that situation even worse by starting a tit-for-tat trade war with our state’s biggest trading partner. Wisconsin’s iconic dairy and paper industries are taking it on the chin, being either forced to cut deep into their bottom lines or worse, being locked out of a key market because the tariffs are just too much to bear,” said Senator Baldwin.
“The President is gambling with the livelihoods of our family farmers and manufacturers, but this isn’t a game — the consequences are businesses being forced to lay off workers, shuttered family farms, and devastated rural economies. Made in Wisconsin businesses deserve stability they can depend on to support growth and plan for the future – not these higher costs and endless chaos. My Republican colleagues should be joining me in this outrage and speaking out against it on behalf of our constituents and Made in Wisconsin economy,” Baldwin added.
Under the new measures, nearly all Wisconsin cheese shipped to Canada will face a 25% tariff, while milk powders, whey, and other dairy ingredients will be subject to tariffs of up to 50%. Paper products, including packaging, corrugated boxes, coated paper, and tissue, will also face mostly 50% tariffs.
Canada is Wisconsin’s largest export market, purchasing nearly 28% of the state’s exports last year, worth more than $7.5 billion. Baldwin also pointed to a recent report estimating that ongoing trade tensions and related economic pressures are costing Wisconsin families more than $3,300 on everyday necessities such as housing, gasoline, and groceries.
Photo Credit: pexels-brian-forsyth
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy