Estimated $17B in tariff costs hit Illinois producers, consumers

A U.S. taxpayer advocate says executive tariffs are hitting manufacturers and producers, leading to higher costs for Illinois families.

Bryan Riley, director of the National Taxpayers Union’s Free Trade Initiative, said tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump cost about $3,300 per household in Illinois, even though families may not be paying that much directly.

After Trump’s recent promise to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel on January 1st, Riley said businesses don’t know what to expect.