DES MOINES — The Trump administration’s unstable tariff deadlines and looming trade deals have left Iowa farmers and small businesses feeling uncertain about their economic future.
Iowa is the nation’s second-largest exporter of agriculture. In 2023, U.S. Department of Agriculture data show the state shipped $13.5 billion worth of goods overseas, with pending tariffs threatening export stability.
Iowa Farmers Union president Aaron Lehman says the cost of levies will trickle down to farmers and other small business owners. “That tariff raises the price for our product for buyers around the world,” Lehman pointed out. “Therefore, they’re less likely to buy from us and they’re more likely to buy from some farmer from another part of the world where there is less of a tariff.”
Lehman adds the uncertainty is making it hard for Iowa farmers and small businesses relying on exports or imports to plan for the future. Historically, tariffs have had long-term negative economic benefits for U.S. businesses, often causing global trade disputes. Lehman warns retaliatory tariffs affect all sectors of the agriculture industry. “That will impact a local machinery dealer. It will impact a local input supplier for us that we’re less likely to buy from,” Lehman outlined. “Our local institutions we line up our credit with, our banks and other institutions.”
Lehman agreed a level economic playing field is important but emphasized it is just as necessary to protect domestic farmers and small businesses.
