Trump takes aim at Mississippi's largest trading partner, Canada

Presidnt Trump plans to sign an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on goods from China.

As Mississippi's largest trading partner, Canada plays a critical role in the state's economy. A 25% tariff on Canadian imports would likely have significant negative effects, potentially triggering retaliatory measures impacting Mississippi's exports to Canada.

Currently, Mississippi imports nearly $2 billion worth of goods annually from Canada.

Here is the breakdown of these imports by industry:

• Agriculture: 5%

• Chemicals: 7%

• Energy: 38%

• Equipment and machinery: 25%

• Forest products: 3%

• Minerals and metals: 6%

• Plastics and rubbers: 4%

• Transportation: 8%

Mississippi's top imports from Canada highlight the industries most vulnerable to a 25% tariff. These goods are critical to the state's economy and would face significant cost increases under the proposed policy. Specifically, the top imports include:

• Petroleum coke and bitumen: $592 million

• Crude petroleum: $130 million

• Pharmaceutical products: $79 million

• Engines and turbines: $79 million

• Plastics and plastic articles: $64 million

• Agricultural machinery: $57 million

• Motor vehicle parts: $55 million

• Pasta, breads, and cereal preparations: $55 million

• Compressors and pumps: $43 million

• Aircraft and parts: $33 million

These imports, spanning energy, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and food products, would likely see price hikes that could strain Mississippi businesses and consumers. The potential ripple effects on industries dependent on these goods underscore the economic challenges posed by such tariffs.

Mississippi's exports to Canada reflect the state's reliance on cross-border trade, particularly in machinery, transportation, and precision instruments. The proposed tariffs could have a significant impact on these sectors, as Canada may respond with its own measures targeting U.S. exports. Here’s a breakdown of Mississippi's exports to Canada by industry:

• Agriculture: 5%

• Chemicals: 7%

• Equipment and machinery: 55%

• Minerals and metals: 5%

• Plastics and rubbers: 4%

• Transportation: 16%

Specifically, the top goods Mississippi exports to Canada include:

• Optical, medical, and precision instruments: $251 million

• Automobiles: $224 million

• Telephones and AV recording equipment: $180 million

• Trucks: $98 million

• Plastics and plastic articles: $88 million

• Heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment: $71 million

• Electric motors and generators: $62 million

• Fuel oil: $45 million

• Fertilizers: $44 million

• Furniture and bedding: $34 million

The proposed tariffs could disrupt this trade, jeopardizing industries and jobs that rely on stable economic ties with Canada.