Mikie Sherrill released the following statement today after President Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of New Jersey’s largest trading partners:
“Today, Donald Trump decided to enact a massive sales tax on New Jersey families and businesses. These tariffs will make everyday goods more expensive and put jobs and economic growth at risk. As governor, one of my top priorities will be to build new housing — but these tariffs will make lumber and housing construction even more expensive, putting the dream of homeownership further out of reach for the middle and working class. As families face an affordability crisis, Trump’s tariffs will raise the cost of gasoline, cars, and groceries even further. Canada — New Jersey’s largest export market — has already announced retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion in U.S. goods, which will devastate New Jersey businesses and jobs. Despite promising to lower costs, the president’s policies so far have driven them up for everyone except for billionaires like Elon Musk. Unlike Washington, I’ll make Trenton work for working people.”
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New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez recently criticized President Trump’s tariffs, stating that they are causing increased costs for families in the state. The tariffs, which were implemented as part of Trump’s trade war with China, have led to higher prices on a wide range of goods, from electronics to clothing to household appliances.
According to Menendez, these increased costs are hitting New Jersey families hard, particularly those who are already struggling to make ends meet. He pointed out that the tariffs are essentially a tax on consumers, as businesses pass on the higher costs of imported goods to their customers.
Menendez also expressed concern about the impact of the tariffs on New Jersey’s economy as a whole. The state is home to a number of industries that rely on imported goods, such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles. With the cost of these goods rising, businesses may be forced to cut back on production or even lay off workers in order to stay afloat.
In addition to the economic impact, Menendez also highlighted the potential diplomatic consequences of Trump’s trade policies. By imposing tariffs on China and other countries, the president is risking damaging relationships with key trading partners and allies. This could have long-term implications for New Jersey businesses that rely on international trade.
Overall, Menendez’s criticism of Trump’s tariffs underscores the challenges facing New Jersey families and businesses in the current economic climate. As the trade war continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how the state will weather the storm and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impact on its residents.
