Delaware businesses have paid an extra $51 million in import taxes on products subject to Trump Administration tariffs, including $3.8 million in September.
The figures come from Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, a group comprised of business and agricultural interests.
Tariffs on China “List 3” goods accounted for $17 million of the new taxes paid to date. Delaware imported $204 million of “List 4” products in 2018. Another $122 million in such products faced additional tariffs of 15 percent on Sept. 1.
Since the trade war began, Delaware exports have faced $35 million in new retaliatory tariffs from trading partners, including $3.7 million in September.
The Trump Administration announced a Phase I trade deal with China late last year.
The administration has continued to claim that the tariffs are paid by China and other nations and do not affect Americans.
The effect of the tariffs has been light in Delaware when compared to states that are big more exporters of agricultural products. (See accompany graphic). Delaware imports feed used in its massive poultry industry. The state is hoping to see more exports of its poultry products.
Still, First State has seen signs of a slowdown in its economy.
In Michigan alone, businesses, farmers and consumers have paid an additional $1.8 billion in taxes.
Moody’s Analytics estimates the trade war has reduced U.S. employment by 300,000. Farm bankruptcies have risen 24 percent since September of last year.
