A new analysis from the University of Missouri’s Commercial Agriculture Program today found that the President’s trade war is already costing Missouri millions of dollars in economic activity. With nearly a third of Missouri’s annual soybean crop destined for the Chinese market, the President’s trade war has caused the state’s soy prices to drop nearly 20 percent this summer. According to the report, this drop represents “more than $212 million in lost earnings for workers and business owners, and 3,000 fewer jobs… and a $726.6 million reduction in economic activity.”
The Joplin Globe editorial board writes today that, nationwide, “Damage to farmers because of the tariffs and counter tariffs and the deepening trade war has been estimated at $11 billion, but the final tally is far from known.” Meanwhile, the the US Chamber of Commerce estimates that, overall, the tariffs are putting over 800,000 Missouri jobs and nearly $900 million in total state exports at risk.
Yet even as Missouri’s economy takes a hit and farmers worry about potential long-term impacts from the tariffs, Josh Hawley has repeatedly doubled down on his support for the President’s trade war.
“Josh Hawley is so determined to remain in lockstep with the President that he’s willing to sacrifice millions in earnings for hard-working Missourians,” said Missouri Democratic Party Deputy Communications Director Brooke Goren. “Will Hawley ever start standing up for Missourians, or will he just keep trying to advance his own ambitions at their expense?”