Yesterday Chinese tariffs on U.S. pork and ethanol exports took effect, targeting Iowa’s $11 billion in agricultural exports and causing the cost of Iowa pork exports to tumble. Today, Fred Hubbell issued the following statement:
“At a time when low commodity prices are already hurting Iowa’s farmers, these tariffs are a devastating threat to the future of Iowa’s small producers across rural Iowa,” said Fred Hubbell. “The tariffs will squeeze out Iowa’s small farmers, lead to further consolidation, and will be a disaster not just to Iowa’s agricultural workers, but to Iowa’s economy as a whole. Our pork producers have already taken a $240 million dollar hit that’s only expected to grow. As governor, I would personally reach out to Iowa’s trade partners and establish stable, long-term, bilateral relationships, because it’s more clear than ever that Iowans can’t rely on Washington, D.C. to protect our agricultural future.”
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