In 2026, Lahn defended Trump’s tariffs and repeatedly claimed they were “not the issue” facing Iowa farmers, arguing that rising input costs and agricultural monopolies were the real cause of farmers’ financial struggles. Lahn insisted farmers were more concerned about the cost of seed, fertilizer, and other inputs than tariffs. However, farmers, and economists warned that Trump’s tariffs were increasing financial pressure on Iowa agriculture and contributing to higher costs across the state.
An April 2025 report from the Iowa Farmers for Free Trade found tariffs added nearly $90 million in new costs to Iowa businesses in a single month, a 304% increase from the previous year. Economists also warned tariffs were hurting farmers and delaying investments that supported local economies. Iowa farmers were also concerned that Trump’s tariffs would cause the biggest buyers of agricultural goods to look towards other countries since Iowa relied on exporting agricultural goods. Trump’s tariffs also impacted Iowa’s businesses and restaurant industry as Iowa’s manufacturing industry warned the tariffs placed more than 226,000 jobs at risk.
February 2026: Lahn Claimed Tariffs Were “Not The Issue” Facing Farmers And Claimed Rising Costs To Operate Farms Were The Real Problem. According to Lahn’s interview on the Tucker Carlson Show, "I mean, many, many, most farms aren't operating at a loss right now. And when you talk to farmers about this, you do not like I can't emphasize this enough, you do not hear them talk about tariffs. They're not. Matter of fact, the price of soybeans this year with the tariffs was higher than it was last year before the tariffs. The change came that the cost of growing went up and the cost of the input products that they're using went up. So I tell people all the time, the tariffs are not the issue." [Zach Lahn, Tucker Carlson Show, 2/23/26] (VIDEO)
February 2026: Lahn Claimed Farmers Were Not Concerned About Tariffs And Instead Blamed Rising Input Costs Over Seed And Fertilizer And Agricultural Input “Monopolies” For Financial Struggles. According to River Cities’ Reader, "As Governor, how would you support Iowa farmers in navigating tariff and trade issues like these, while ensuring state policy promotes agricultural growth, stability, and access to global markets?' ZACH LAHN: Yeah, I actually look this as a farmer from a different standpoint. And I say that because the price of soybeans was higher this year when the tariffs were here than it was last year. What's actually going on is we have heavy consolidation in the formation of monopolies within our agriculture sector. We have three companies that now control over 85% of seed and input and fertilizer, and they are actively extorting our farmers. This is the real issue if you talk to farmers. Input prices are out of control. No one is holding these people accountable, and we have to start to break these monopolies apart. If you talk to any farmer about what's been different one year after the next, it's that the cost of growing keeps going up because they know that they have an unchecked monopoly, there's no competition, and that they can just continue to raise the prices on our farmers, hollow out our rural communities, consolidate our family farms, and every time that happens, life leaves our communities. So, we have to address the input monopolies and what I would call the input cartels and liberate our farmers." [River Cities’ Reader, 2/6/26]
HEADLINE: “Tariffs Cost Iowa Businesses $90M In April, New Report Says, A 304% Hike From 2024” [Iowa City Press-Citizen, 6/18/25]
Iowa Farmers For Free Trade: April 2025: Trump’s Tariffs Triggered A 304% Surge In Iowa Tariffs And Added Nearly $90 Million In New Expenses That Would Hurt Iowa Farmers And Businesses. According to the Iowa City Press-Citizen, “Tariffs are having a sweeping impact on Iowa's economy, costing importers $90 million in April, a 304% increase from the year prior, according to new research. The data was released by Iowa Farmers for Free Trade and aggregated by Tarifflation during a roundtable event on Tuesday, June 17, at the Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher. Iowa has the 11th highest change in the amount of tariffs paid between April 2024 and 2025. The report attributed the increase to President Donald Trump's ever-evolving tariff policies, with approximately $80 million from ‘executive actions.’ Import tariff costs from measures approved by the legislature have remained largely unchanged over the past year. The new data may not even capture the full impact on Iowa's economy since the Trump administration has paused the worldwide ‘reciprocal tariffs’ through mid-July. If those tariffs take effect, the report said, there could be ‘major consequences for Iowa businesses with extensive trade relationships around the world.’” [Iowa City Press-Citizen, 6/18/25]
HEADLINE: “Already Under Financial Pressure, Farmers Squeezed Further By Tariffs And Iran War" [PBS, 4/13/26]
April 2026: Trump’s Tariffs Were Increasing Financial Pressure On Farmers. According to PBS, "The high cost of fuel, equipment, and fertilizer — compounded by the Iran war — and also tariffs, perceived 'price gouging' by suppliers, and low soybean prices driven by a global supply glut. All of it weighs on Bartek, who is chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Association. 'Our biggest struggles are our inputs, be it fertilizer, seed, chemical, parts,' Bartek said. 'There has been so much drastic markup in all of these. And I just kind of feel like the farmer's kind of painted in the corner.' Bartek's concerns are shared by many Midwest soybean producers. Costs, such as equipment, have crept up over time while soybean prices have stayed low. Tariffs levied by the Trump administration last year and the resulting monthslong trade war with China only made things worse, they say." [PBS, 4/13/26]
2025: Iowa Farmers Were Concerned That The Biggest Buyers Of U.S. Corn, Soybean And Other Farm Goods Would Look Towards Brazil, Argentina And Other Competitors. According to the Des Moines Register, “Iowa farm leaders say they understand that among Trump’s goal in imposing the sweeping tariffs is reducing the U.S. farm trade deficit and lowering foreign trade barriers. But they worry the biggest buyers of U.S. corn, soybeans and other farm goods will look to Brazil, Argentina and other competitors for products.” [Des Moines Register, 4/4/25]
Iowa Relied Heavily On Exporting Agricultural Goods. According to Iowa Public Radio, “Iowa — a top producer of corn, soybeans and pork — relies heavily on trade. Export markets consume roughly half of U.S. soybeans, more than a quarter of pork products and around 15% of the country’s corn.” [Iowa Public Radio, 4/8/25]
2025: President Of The Iowa Association Of Business And Industry Claimed That Tariffs On Iowa-Made Products Could Reduce Market Access And Put More Than 226,000 Jobs At Risk. According to the Des Moines Register, “Nicole Crain, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, said in an email the group appreciates Trump’s focus on deregulation and a competitive tax climate. But tariffs on ‘Iowa-made products and agriculture goods can reduce market access and put the jobs of over 226,000 Iowans at risk,’ said Crain, urging the administration to ‘remove barriers, strengthen global trade relationships and create opportunities for Iowa manufacturers to thrive.’” [Des Moines Register, 4/4/25]
2025: The Owner Of The T-Shirt Retailer Raygun, Mike Draper, Claimed That Tariffs Could Impact His Business. According to the Des Moines Register, “Mike Draper owner, owner of the Des Moines-based T-shirt and novelty retailer Raygun, said the tariffs will likely have an impact on his business. Most of the shirts it imprints with its satirical messages come from Mexico, the U.S., Nicaragua and Honduras — though not China and Vietnam, where the tariffs being imposed are much steeper. Still, Draper said it was not yet clear Thursday what kind of reciprocal tariffs might be put in place by countries like Mexico.” [Des Moines Register, 4/4/25]
2025: The Owner Of “Prime And Providence” Claimed That Some Of The Foreign Ingredients They Rely On Could Be Too Expensive. According to KCRG, “People in the restaurant industry are sharing concerns about how tariffs could impact them. Restaurants like Prime and Providence in West Des Moines relies on foreign ingredients for their dishes. Dominic Iannarelli, the owner and chef of Prime and Providence, said the tariffs could make Japanese beef prohibitively expensive. ‘Could, in turn, almost price it out of the market,’ Iannarelli said.” [KCRG, 4/8/25]
2025: The CEO Of Iowa Restaurant Association Claimed That The Tariffs Caused Uncertainty And Placed Restaurants In A Tough Situation. According to KCRG, “Jessica Dunker, the CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, says the tariffs cause a lot of uncertainty and put restaurants in a tough spot. ‘When you look at tariffs, perishable goods are the places you are going to see tariffs impact the fastest,’ Dunker said. ‘We have to weigh heavily, how are we going to balance what we’re offering what we’re able to produce and how tariffs will impact what we continue to offer.’ Dunker added that uncertain consumer confidence, and decreased foot traffic, are also affecting the restaurant industry.” [KCRG, 4/8/25]