LANSING — New reporting from WGVU finds that Michigan farmers are being hurt by the reckless tariffs supported by failed GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers, which are “trigger[ing] steep declines in Michigan farm exports, raising concerns for long-term stability.”
According to state data, Michigan farm exports were depressed across the board after Rogers-backed tariffs were implemented in the first half of the year:
- Grain exports fell by 89%
- Fresh cherry exports fell by 62%
- Fresh apple exports fell by 58%
- Soybean exports fell by 46%
While Michigan family farms are struggling to cope with lost revenue, deteriorating trade relationships, and the threat of bankruptcy, Price Hike Mike has cheered on Trump’s reckless tariffs, which he calls “masterful” and an “absolute win.”
“Mike Rogers doesn’t care about Michigan family farmers or the devastating economic impact the reckless tariffs he supports are causing,” said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum. “These reckless tariffs are punishing Michigan families, driving up prices on everything from groceries to farm equipment, and proving once again that Rogers cares more about this political posturing than protecting Michiganders’ pocketbooks.”
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WGVU: Tariffs trigger steep declines in Michigan farm exports, raising concerns for long-term stability
- Michigan’s agriculture is the state’s second largest industry contributing an annual $126 billion to the state’s economy. But federal tariffs are negatively impacting farmers and consumers this year
- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is tracking some distressing trends.
- In 2024, the state set a new ag-related products export record, generating $3 billion. So far this year, with federally imposed tariffs, Michigan farm exports are depressed.
- “We’re seeing in real time that some of these established trading relationships with our largest trading partners; China, Canada, Mexico, those continue to be fraught with a lot of questions here of what the stability of those relationships might be.”
- That’s Dr. Tim Boring, Executive Director of MDARD. He says the sense that the U.S. is no longer a reliable trading partner. Global competitors are looking to take over market share.
- “And that’s really concerning long-term for the future of Michigan agriculture.”
- The state report site, Michigan soybean meal exports ‘dropped by over $62 million, or 46 percent, in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.’
- Grains like wheat exports were also depressed 89 percent. Michigan fruit growers are also feeling the squeeze, fresh cherry exports dropped 62 percent, and fresh apples fell 58 percent.
- Boring says whether its row crops or fruit and vegetables most balance sheets aren’t looking positive this year and next. The question now is, have the trade flows been so altered that they could take years to restore?
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