200% tariff threat on Deere to curb job shifts to Mexico
Former President Donald Trump has declared a punitive approach towards John Deere’s decision to shift some production to Mexico, proposing a steep 200% tariff on imported machinery. This statement was made during a discussion in Smithton, Pennsylvania, that focused on agricultural issues, particularly the outsourcing of jobs.
Trump argued that such a move by Deere would betray American workers and the agricultural sector, which heavily relies on local manufacturing. His plan aims to either prevent Deere from proceeding with their plans or significantly increase the company’s costs of selling back into the U.S. market.
By placing these tariffs, Trump aims to reinforce his economic policy of prioritizing American jobs and manufacturing, a continuation of his first-term agenda. He suggested that this would either lead to increased revenue from tariffs or compel Deere and similar companies to maintain their production stateside.
The potential tariffs are part of Trump's broader stance against companies moving operations abroad, which he claims undermines the U.S. economy and labor market. He further criticized current policies under the administration, hinting that they favor non-U.S. interests, particularly China, in the agricultural sector.
The dialogue also included a critique of Vice President Kamala Harris, predicting negative impacts on energy costs for farmers if she were elected. In response, the Harris campaign highlighted the number of farm bankruptcies during Trump’s presidency to challenge his claims.
Trump's tariff proposal marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the future of American manufacturing and its implications for the agricultural sector.