top of page
Search

Iowa Tariff Data & Stories: Tariffs Cost $828 Million Since “Liberation Day”; IA Small Businesses Speak Out

Presidential tariffs cost Iowa businesses $147 million in October alone, the last month of federal data released – Connect with Iowa small businesses to discuss impact


IOWA – January 27, 2026 – As President Donald Trump visits Iowa today to speak about the economy and affordability in Clive, new data released by We Pay the Tariffs shows Iowa small businesses are grappling with the crushing weight of presidential tariffs that have cost companies in the state $$828 million from March through October 2025, including $147 million in October 2025 alone.


We Pay the Tariffs, a coalition of over 800 small businesses nationwide advocating against tariffs released the data which if come from Trade Partnership Worldwide's State Tariff Tracker database, which is updated each month new tariff data is released.


"Iowa businesses are paying a new record high in tariff costs every month, and that is threatening their survival," said Dan Anthony, Executive Director of We Pay the Tariffs. “While the President speaks about affordability in Clive today, Iowa small businesses are struggling under tariff costs that weren't in their budgets. These aren't taxes on foreign countries, they're costs paid directly by Iowa businesses and passed on to Iowa families."



  • $828 Million in presidential tariffs paid from March 2025-October 2025.

  • $147 million paid in October 2025 alone

  • 94% of tariffs paid in October ($147M of $156M total) resulted from presidential actions


Tariffs Overwhelmingly Hit Inputs for Iowa Manufacturers and Farmers:


  • $85 million in extra tariffs paid on unwrought aluminum from March 2025-October 2025

  • $75 million in extra tariffs paid on chemicals (e.g., particularly agricultural chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides)

  • $73 million in extra tariffs paid on auto parts

  • $54 million in extra tariffs paid on engines and engine parts

  • $48 million in extra tariffs paid on construction equipment parts


Tariffs Overwhelmingly Hit Imports from Long-Time Allies:


  • Over $200 million in extra tariffs paid on imports from Canada and Mexico

  • Over $150 million in extra tariffs paid on imports from EU countries


Iowa Small Businesses Feeling the Squeeze:

Examples of Iowa small businesses affected by tariffs include:

  • Kelli Courtney, Margaret's Boutique (Decorah, Iowa) - Main street boutique owner in one of Iowa's thriving downtown districts reports that at least four other businesses on her block are debating whether they can survive another year of tariffs. "We're reaching a point where customers won't pay our prices, but without margins we can't afford staff, lights, or heat."


  • Joshua Snyder, Diversified Global Products (Palo, Iowa) - Importer serving small and medium-sized businesses across the region. Tariffs have slowed business for his company and the Iowa businesses he serves: "It has 100% slowed our business down and theirs."


Small Business Interviews Available:

We Pay the Tariffs can connect media with Iowa small business owners who can describe firsthand the impact of tariffs on their operations, employees, and customers. Contact press@wepaythetariffs.com to arrange interviews.


About the Data

All data come from Trade Partnership Worldwide's State Tariff Tracker ("Tracker") database. The Tracker combines national import and tariff data from the U.S. Census Bureau (Census), including details on special provisions that either lower tariffs (e.g., preference claims such as USMCA) or increase them (e.g., Chapter 99 rates for Section 301 or IEEPA tariffs), tariff schedules from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), and state import value data from Census. Trade Partnership Worldwide data is frequently cited in national and international media including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, ABC, NBC, CBS, Axios, Politico, CNBC, CNN, BBC, and more.


About We Pay the Tariffs

We Pay the Tariffs is a grassroots coalition of over 800 small businesses that advocates against tariffs. Members include restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, game companies, importers, and other enterprises from every U.S. region. For more information: www.wepaythetariffs.com


Comments

bottom of page