When he ran for president in 2016, Trump promised Mainers that he would deliver “the greatest” trade deals in American history. But nearly four years into his presidency, all Mainers have gotten are broken promises and a failed trade war with China. Trumps’ tariffs on Chinese goods prompted China to retaliate and take aim at American exports. While tariffs on lobsters, which have also hurt the livelihoods of Maine lobstermen, have gotten most of the headlines, tariffs on dairy products have also caused Maine farmers to pay the price. 

Maine dairy farmers saw their pocketbooks hit hard by the trade war, resulting in the “lowest milk prices in years.” Facing an economic crisis, one economist estimated Maine dairy farmers could lose an estimated $50,000 because of Trump’s reckless trade policies. The drop in prices was so devastating that some Maine dairy farmers don’t pay themselves to ensure they can continue taking care of their employees.

“Trump came to our state four years ago and promised Mainers the greatest trade deals in American history, but that just turned out to be another broken promise,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra. “Trump has claimed to be a champion of farmers, but his failed trade war with China has milked Maine’s dairy farmers dry. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will fight for farmers, which is why we have to send them to the White House this November.” 

 

BACKGROUND ON TRUMP’S BROKEN PROMISES TO MAINE FARMERS

PROMISE: Trump told Mainers that he would make the greatest trade deals in American history [Trump Campaign Rally, Bangor ME, 6/29/16]

REALITY: Trump’s trade war with China caused retaliatory tariffs on American agriculture, which have devastated farmers in Maine and across the country.

  • After Trump imposed tariffs on China, China struck back with three rounds of tariffs on over $130 billion in US goods, many of which are produced by American farmers.
     
  • As a result, agricultural exports from around the country have dramatically decreased, which has been particularly difficult for farmers in Maine’s key industries.
     
    • The tariffs caused Maine’s wild blueberry exports to decrease by 97%.
       
    • As they face the lowest dairy prices in years, Maine dairy farms are now facing an "economic crisis,” which one economist estimated could lead to a $50,000 loss due to the trade war.
       

PROMISE: After multiple years of economic devastation to farmers due to the trade war, Trump claimed in 2019 that farmers were now “over the hump.”

REALITY: Even as Trump signing a new trade deal with China, farms continue to face high rates of bankruptcy and debt. 

  • China is not coming close to purchasing the amount of American exports Trump wanted in the deal, with just $5.4 billion in purchases as of May, with a goal of $33 billion for the whole year.
     
  • In 2019, farm bankruptcies increased by 20%, and farm debt hit a record high. In 2020, that record is on pace to be shattered.

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