(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — In response to these tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Gov. JB Pritzker issued a statement saying the effects will negatively impact the Illinois economy.
The statement released Saturday says, in-part, that "trade is an anchor" and that Canada and Mexico are the "top two" trading partners, which directly correlates to "jobs and economic success" here in Illinois.
Pritzker cites that around 800,000 jobs across the state are now at risk on account of the new policy.
In an appearance on MSNBC, Pritzker said consumers would feel the effects of the tariffs.
“Canada and Mexico are our two largest trading partners here in Illinois. We get most of our natural gas and also gasoline from north, from Canada. So when you impose a 25% tariff, you're imposing that tariff on working families in Illinois.”
Read Pritzker’s full statement below:
“Let’s call these tariffs what they are: Trump’s Taxes on Working Families. If these tariffs remain in place, it will jack up the price of groceries and goods, make gas more expensive, and raise utility bills. While Donald Trump is making millions off his corrupt crypto schemes and memes, working families will pay the price.
“Trade is an anchor of the Illinois economy. Illinois is the single largest exporting state in the Midwest and fourth largest exporter in the United States. Our jobs and economic success are linked to our top two trading partners, Canada and Mexico, and also China. No other state in the nation imports more goods to Canada than the Land of Lincoln, and Illinois is one of the top five of all 50 states in exports to both Canada and Mexico. All together, Illinois exports support 800,000 jobs across the state – jobs now at risk.
“Growing the Illinois economy and creating jobs is always a priority for me – and I will continue working with our trading partners to support the economic might of Illinois with everything I’ve got. But ultimately if Trump's Taxes on Working Families remain in effect, they would force businesses and supply chains to pass costs onto Illinois consumers. If prices go up and jobs are killed, we must all give credit where credit is due: Donald Trump.”
WBBM’s Mallory Vor Broker contributed to this report.
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