Trump’s Tariffs vs. Georgia’s Economy

Over the past two weeks, President Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, claiming they are "necessary" for addressing national security concerns. This move echoes conservatives' beliefs that tariffs protect U.S. industries despite widespread warnings from economists that these policies often do more harm than good.

In reality, these tariffs—25% for Canadian and Mexican and 10% on Chinese goods—pose significant risks to the U.S. economy by driving up costs across industries, slowing economic growth, and inviting retaliatory trade measures that ultimately hurt businesses and consumers.

Georgia’s Economy in the Crosshairs

Georgia imports more goods from China than any other country, totaling $17.5 billion last year. China is also Georgia's third-largest export market, purchasing $3.9 billion worth of products from the state. Trump's careless trade policies threaten to disrupt this long-standing economic relationship, creating higher costs for businesses and inevitably passing those costs down to consumers.

Local companies that rely on imported materials, like Duluth-based AGCO, a major agricultural equipment manufacturer, are already facing uncertainty over rising costs. But it doesn't stop there. Prices for everyday goods are increasing faster than incomes, hurting everyone's wallet. 

• Liquor store owners worry about rising costs for imported Tequila and other spirits, making it harder to keep shelves stocked without raising prices.

• Construction companies face soaring costs for essential materials like steel and lumber, worsening an already dire housing shortage and making homeownership even less affordable.

• Georgian farmers are struggling to maintain their market share as they fear China could retaliate with higher taxes on U.S. agricultural goods, forcing them to scramble for domestic buyers.

Even affordable dining options like Waffle House are feeling the strain. The chain has implemented a 50-cent surcharge on eggs due to increased costs and the spread of bird flu, to avoid raising prices across its entire menu. Dave Hoffman, the spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Georgia, put it bluntly: "Waffle House raising prices on eggs is smothered and covered in irony, considering Trump promised to lower costs on Day 1."

Senator Raphael Warnock raised another key concern, tweeting about the importance of qualified leadership in the Department of Health. His warning is even more urgent today, as the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, completely disregarding his controversial healthcare views. 

Governor Kemp has emphasized tort reform as a way to lower insurance costs, aiming to save Georgians money. However, he has not addressed the impact of Trump's tariffs, which are raising costs for businesses and consumers alike. As Georgians navigate these economic challenges, the question remains: Is this Trump's Georgia or Kemp's?

This Week in Georgia

Legislative Session

Republican lawmakers continue to push extreme legislation that threatens individual freedoms and prioritizes ideology over the well-being of Georgians. Below are some of the most recent notable examples:

• House Bill 313 (Under Consideration): Mandates that all “require all public elementary and secondary schools in this state to display the Ten Commandments in multiple locations.” To learn more, click HERE.

• Senate Bill 39 (Passed): Prohibits state employees and their dependents from using state-sponsored health plans to receive gender-affirming care, stripping away critical healthcare options.

• Senate Bill 47(Passed): Establishes an 11-day sales tax holiday exclusively for firearms, prioritizing gun sales over public safety while Georgia grapples with rising gun violence.

• Senate Bill 68 (Under Consideration): Caps pain and suffering damages, limits liability for property owners, restricts medical bill damage awards to the amount paid, and makes it easier to split trials into stages for juries to consider liability and damages separately. 

• Senate Bill 69 (Under Consideration): Imposes stricter regulations on third-party lawsuit financing, mandating registration with the Department of Banking and Finance and limiting external influence over legal decisions.

Ways to Get Involved

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