Today, the U.S. House voted to rescind Trump-imposed tariffs on Canada. All four Iowa Representatives, Rep. Randy Feenstra, Rep. Ashley Hinson, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Rep. Zach Nunn, voted to uphold the existing tariffs.

Since last February, Trump has levied a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian imports, sparking a 25% retaliatory tariff on all U.S. imports to Canada. Canada is the largest market for U.S. agricultural exports.

Food & Water Watch Managing Director of Policy and Litigation Mitch Jones issued the following statement:

“While smart tariffs can help American business and consumers, Trump’s approach is inept at best. His misguided tariff tantrum is irreparably harming Iowa farmers who have seen markets shrink with retaliatory tariffs. Trump and the Iowa delegation’s failure to address the root causes of our nation’s farm crisis–fragile, export-dependent markets controlled by huge corporations–is only exacerbated by wheeling and dealing with Canada.

“The Iowa House Delegation’s vote to uphold Trump’s tariff abuse is shameful. Trump’s chaotic, ill-informed tariffs need to go. We need sound trade policies that will help farmers and families — not undermine them.”

Food & Water Watch analysis of President Trump’s first term trade war found that in its wake:

• Farm bankruptcies rose 24% from 2018 to 2019.
• The number of farms harvesting soybeans decreased overall by 10.7% while the number of soybean farms with 1,000 acres or more increased by 5% from 2017 to 2022.
• The total number of farms fell 7% between 2017 to 2022, hitting small farms and Black producers hardest.
• Bailout funds flowed to the largest operations and multinational corporations.