GOP senator: Trump tariffs are hurting US farmers

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said on Sunday that President Trump’s tariffs are hurting U.S. farmers.

“We appreciate the president and his stance against China but, for the meantime, it is hurting our farmers and ranchers,” Ernst told New York AM 970 radio host John Catsimatidis.

Earlier this month, Trump implemented tariffs on a number of Chinese exports that totaled around $50 billion. China retaliated by imposing tariffs on a number of U.S. exports also totaling about $50 billion.

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Earlier this year, Trump also announced a 25 percent tariff on imported steel and a 10 percent tariff on imported aluminum.

“When we hear about tariffs out in the news, the markets drop. When you see lean hog futures going down,” Ernst said. “When we see the price of soybeans in the market going down. Corn. Whatever it might be. That really hurts our farmers.”

Trump has admitted that farmers could be negatively affected by the trade dispute with China but said they will “understand” why it is a necessity.

“We do get concerned when we talk about tariffs. I understand the need to protect American jobs, but American farmers are holding American jobs,” Ernst said. “We need to find a pathway forward and I do hope the president can do that.”