ADVERTISEMENTs
Rep. Krishnamoorthi warns of ‘Trump tariff’ impact on tour
Krishnamoorthi spotlighted the profound economic toll of Trump's tariff policies on working families, farmers, and small businesses.
-
Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 28, Apr 2025
- 17:04 EDT
- 133
.jpeg)
U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) answers questions during a news conference about the recent Congressional delegation trip to the Indo-Pacific region, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. August 10, 2022. / REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi concluded his three-stop "Trump Tariff Tour" across Illinois on April 24.
Krishnamoorthi spotlighted the profound economic toll of President Donald Trump's tariff policies on working families, farmers, and small businesses.
Over the course of the tour, which included stops in Chicago, Atlanta, and Urbana, Krishnamoorthi heard directly from local business owners, agricultural leaders, and workers about the financial strain caused by increased tariffs. From rising production costs to shrinking profit margins, many conveyed deep concerns about their economic future.
Also Read: Rep. Krishnamoorthi renews call for Hegseth’s dismissal
“Whether it’s a family farm, a neighborhood kombucha brewery, or a local produce distributor, Illinois businesses and working families are footing the bill for Donald Trump’s reckless tariff war,” Krishnamoorthi said.
“These tariffs are a hidden tax on hardworking families and small businesses, and they’re already doing real damage to our economy. Illinoisans shouldn’t have to pay the price for Trump’s self-inflicted economic wounds. It’s time to end these tariffs now,” he added.
The tour began at Testa Produce in Chicago, where Krishnamoorthi met with CEO Peter Testa and members of the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC).
At the meeting, small business leaders detailed how escalating import costs have squeezed margins and destabilized supply chains. Elliot Richardson, president of the SBAC, emphasized the heightened challenges facing small enterprises.
“Many of the small businesses that drive our economy have been rocked by the uncertainty of shifting tariffs and trade policies,” Richardson said. “Small businesses face the prospect of rising costs, shrinking margins, and disrupted supply chains. They do not have the resources to suddenly and frequently pivot, making transparency and certainty so important to the small business community.”
The congressman’s second stop was Kindred Farms in Atlanta, Illinois, where he stood alongside farmers grappling with retaliatory tariffs that have hit the state's $200 billion agricultural sector especially hard. Illinois ranks among the top states for soybean and corn production — two industries that were among the hardest hit by China's retaliatory tariffs during the Trump administration’s trade war.
Finally, Krishnamoorthi visited Cloud Mountain Kombucha Brewery in Urbana, where local entrepreneurs spoke about the mounting difficulties posed by higher raw material and packaging costs.
Citing economic analyses, Krishnamoorthi warned that Trump’s new tariffs could cost the average Illinois household at least $4,400 annually, while 44 percent of small businesses are already bracing for revenue losses.
A study by Moody’s Analytics had previously estimated that the nationwide costs of Trump’s tariffs topped $1,000 per household per year, with small businesses bearing disproportionate burdens due to their limited ability to absorb cost increases.
“The people of Illinois deserve an economy that works for them, not one that punishes them with higher prices and lost jobs,” Krishnamoorthi said.
Related
.JPG)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login