Gianforte Statement on Tariffs Announcement

Statement

Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte released the following statement today in response to the order on aluminum and steel tariffs:

"I've been reaching out to Montana farmers, ranchers, value-added manufacturers, and other ag leaders, and they're concerned. These tariffs are a bad idea, because they could lead to Montana ag products being shut out of foreign markets. They also will drive up costs for America's manufacturers and serve as a tax that increases prices for Montanans. I hope the president will reconsider implementing these tariffs."

Background:

Montana exported $1.24 billion in agricultural products in 2016, which is nearly double the amount from 2005.

Seventy-four percent of Montana agricultural exports in 2017 went to countries that are top steel exporters to the U.S.

Seventy-four percent of Montana agricultural exports in 2017 went to countries that are top aluminum exporters to the U.S.

Source