Washington, Sept 23 (Latestnews247) – In a bold move that could shape the outcome of the upcoming presidential election, Donald Trump announced Monday his intention to impose a 200% tariff on John Deere imports if the company follows through with plans to relocate production to Mexico. The former president’s comments sent ripples through the stock market, with shares of the agricultural giant dropping over 1.5% in after-hours trading.
Earlier this year, John Deere revealed it would lay off hundreds of workers in the Midwest while expanding production in Mexico. The decision has triggered outrage among local employees and political leaders who fear job losses in critical swing states like Pennsylvania. The company’s decision to remain silent in response to Trump’s comments further fueled speculation about the potential impact of his proposed tariff on the agricultural manufacturing sector.
Trump, who has made aggressive trade policies the cornerstone of his economic platform, has repeatedly advocated for imposing tariffs as a means of protecting American jobs. His threat against John Deere is the latest in a series of promises to penalize companies moving production overseas. His strategy is clear: rally support from key voter blocs like farmers and industrial workers by positioning himself as the defender of American jobs. These constituencies were crucial to his victory in 2016 and remain essential to his chances of reclaiming the White House in the November election against Vice President Kamala Harris.
However, Trump’s proposed tariffs, while popular among his base, have drawn criticism from economists who argue that such measures could further stoke inflation, already a pressing concern for many Americans. Despite these warnings, Trump remains resolute in his economic vision, telling supporters that he would hold foreign leaders accountable for trade deals. “Probably my first call—I’m going to call President Xi [of China]. I’m going to say you have to honor the deal you made. We made the deal, you buy $50 billion worth of American farm products, and I guarantee you, he will buy it,” Trump declared.
The former president’s focus on tariffs is particularly targeted at swing states like Pennsylvania, where polls suggest a tight race. Agricultural workers and manufacturers have historically leaned toward Trump, and their turnout could be pivotal. Trump’s latest comments came during a campaign stop in rural Pennsylvania, where he engaged in an unusually subdued roundtable with farmers. Sitting in a large barn flanked by green tractors, Trump mostly listened as local workers voiced concerns about the future of their industry in the face of global competition. Behind him, a banner read, “Protect our food from China.”
By emphasizing tariffs and trade deals, Trump is betting that his hardline stance on protecting domestic jobs will resonate with voters in key battleground states. As the November 5 election approaches, the effectiveness of this strategy could determine whether he can win back the presidency.