Trump tariffs on Mexico, Canada paused; what it means for Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE - Despite the pause, people in Wisconsin are keeping a close eye on the ongoing tariff discussions, and that includes farmers and grocery store shoppers.
Impact on farmers
What they're saying:
"My concern is for all farmers, but I do believe the dairy industry, especially dealing with Canada, is going to be hit hardest in the state," said Darin Von Ruden with the Wisconsin Farmers Union.
It’s a waiting game for Wisconsin farmers who are closely watching President Donald Trump’s tariff talks with Canada, Mexico and China.
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The president is holding off on his tariff threats against Canada and Mexico for 30 days.
The pause is a relief for the state’s dairy industry, which gets big business from Canada.
What they're saying:
"Pretty close to 15% of what we produce here in the state goes into the Canadian market," Ruden added. "Does that mean that Wisconsin dairy farmers are going to lose 15% of our market or is that we’re going to have to send our products up there for less than what we need to produce them here?"
"Hold on to your pants. It’s really all that we can do at this point," added Ruden.
Farmers fear retaliation. Mexico and Canada are two of the largest buyers of Wisconsin dairy, pork and grain exports.

Wisconsin dairy cows
"It isn’t like we can go and find another market for that product overnight. It takes time to build up those markets," said Ruden.
If the tariffs against the three countries are put in place, products like cars, clothes, electronics and food could see an increase in price.
"I think this was welcome news that there was a pause," said Mike Semmann, who leads the Wisconsin Grocers Association. "This is going to be an ongoing situation as things continue to evolve, the grocery stores and the retailers. They’re looking at the supply chains."
Grocery store impact
What they're saying:
Grocery stores rely heavily on Mexico for their produce imports, like peppers, lemons and avocados.

Grocery store produce
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"Consumers will want to think about reading their digital coupons. Talk to your grocer. When you’re in the store, ask your grocer some questions," added Semmann.
FOX6 talked about the potential rise in grocery prices with shoppers.
"Fresh produce, if it's getting more pricier over time, it's gonna get a lot harder for people to want to buy more fresh produce," said Dalee Yang. "And would lean more towards other food that isn't fresh anymore."
The Source: FOX6 spoke to officials from the Wisconsin Farmers Union and the Wisconsin Grocers Association, as well as grocery shoppers to produce this story.