[AUDIO] Marques Said Americans Had Been “Taken Advantage Of By Other Countries With Higher Tariffs” And Said He Was “Very Proud That The President Has Put His Foot Down And Said No More.” According to Rhett Marques on Alabama AgCast, “HOST: Whether you're talking about poultry, timber, cotton or cattle. Alabama producers rely on trade, on domestic and international markets backed by reliable infrastructure. What are your priorities for expanding market access for Alabama AG and forestry products and strengthening that rural infrastructure? MARQUES: Well, this is another fantastic question, and it's multi-layered. You know, in 2019, my first vote was to pass Alabama, rebuild Alabama, and with that came the expansion of the Port of Mobile. Senator Shelby had gotten 650 some odd million dollars, and the state's portion of that was going to be about 330, 350 million. And because of that expansion, we have been able to ship out, export more of our goods, whether it's frozen chicken or whether it's grain, whether it's cattle or what have you, out of the port of Mobile. And I think that was very, very important for the for the economy of the state. I believe in free market and I believe in free trade. For so long, we as Americans have been taken advantage of by other countries with higher tariffs. And I'm, you know, very proud that the president has put his foot down and said no more. And we need a fair level playing field when it comes to selling our goods. And until we get a fair level playing field, these other countries are going to be taking our money, our taxes, our money to export and it makes it more difficult. Well, now that we have people who are wanting our goods and have it to where we can have a level playing field, we can continue, we can start shipping more soybeans, corn, grains, what have you, and more chicken out, and timber. The timber industry is really hurting right now for a number of reasons because of the input, but also because of tariffs that other countries have on our timber and the ability to them. Canada, I'm looking at you, the Canadians being able to ship the timber across our borders that have hurt our Alabama farms. It's hard to find anybody that will take pulp right now. And it is an increasing problem that the president is addressing. And I hope that, I will go, and help him with his agenda and I'll help our Alabama delegation to make sure that we put Alabama first and our farmers are taken care of because our timber industry right now is not in a good way at all.” [Alabama AgCast, 8/4/26]
Because Of Trump’s Tariffs, The “Pillars Of Alabama’s Manufacturing Economy,” Car And Aircraft Exports, Dropped By $226 Million. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, "When President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported steel and aluminum in early 2025, Alabama manufacturers braced for higher costs and supply chain disruptions. More than a year later, the state’s automotive and aerospace sectors have had time to adjust, providing a clearer picture of who benefited, who faced challenges, and what the tariffs meant for Alabama’s economy. While the state remains a manufacturing powerhouse led by its automotive industry, exports fell nearly 6% year over year while imports jumped more than 20%, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity. […] Alabama’s largest export industries recorded notable declines. Car exports fell by $187 million compared with April 2025, while aircraft exports dropped by $39 million. The decrease occurred in two sectors that state leaders frequently cite as pillars of Alabama’s manufacturing economy." [Montgomery Advertiser, 7/16/26]
An Alabama Soybean Farmer Said Trump’s Tariffs Have Caused Prices To Drop “Below The Cost Of Production” For Farmers Who Were “Already Dealing With Tighter Margins.” According to WBRC, "Some Alabama farmers say they’re already feeling the sting of President Donald Trump’s newly raised tariffs on Chinese imports, now increased to 125%. Jeremy Wilson, a soybean farmer and member of the Alabama Soybean and Corn Association, said farm income is already down 25% since 2022, and the tariffs are only compounding the strain. ‘Soybeans brought in over $24 billion last year,’ Wilson said. ‘But prices have now dropped below the cost of production. We can’t forward market. We can’t borrow. And we’re paying more for fertilizer and chemicals.’ Wilson said soybeans, the U.S.’s most exported crop, are particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions. He added that while consumers may not yet feel the effects, farmers are already dealing with tighter margins and limited financing options." [WBRC, 4/16/25]
An Alabama Farmer Said High Tariffs Would Force Him To Either “Increase Prices Or Sell At A Loss.” According to WAFF, "North Alabama farmers said they are concerned about the impacts that President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on Mexico and Canada could have on their business. Right now, there are 25 percent tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian imports. One north Alabama farmer said he hopes the trade dispute between the U.S., Canada and Mexico is resolved soon. Larry LouAllen is the owner of LouAllen Farms in Moulton. He said that he is concerned that the tariffs will do more harm than good to his farm and many others. LouAllen grows everything from strawberries, to peaches, and apples. The farm has even been in his family for over 100 years. LouAllen said he uses a lot of peat moss that comes from Western Canada to grow his crops. He said an extended trade war would leave him with only two choices. ‘We would either have to increase prices or sell at a loss,’ said LouAllen. ‘You can’t stay in business selling at a loss.’" [WAFF, 3/6/25]