In light of President Donald Trump's recent announcement of imposing new tariffs on Mexico and Canada, Arizona's Governor Katie Hobbs, accompanied by figures from the state's business and agricultural sectors, has articulated deep concerns about the potential economic repercussions. "Arizona's economy is growing, and we're working hard to create jobs and lower costs," Governor Hobbs declared in a report from the Office of the Arizona Governor. With a sense of urgency, she added, "These tariffs are a tax on Arizona families and businesses that threatens to derail our progress."
Danny Seiden, the President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reflected the Governor's concerns. He pointed out the potentially detrimental effects on operations and economic growth, expressing that tariffs "aren't a tax on foreign countries; they're a tax on American businesses, consumers, and families," in a statement obtained by the Governor's office. The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas President, Lance Jungmeyer, referred to the potential impact of tariffs on the U.S. jobs and food prices. He stressed the significance of his industry as a key employer in Arizona's border community and its almost $1 billion positive impact on the state.
Monica Villalobos of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce outlined the potential impact of increased tariffs on businesses and consumers. "This level of increase could be catastrophic for Arizona businesses and our customers," Villalobos told the Governor's office, highlighting the threat tariffs pose to the price of everyday goods and the stability of local businesses. The Greater Phoenix Chamber's President, Todd Sanders, emphasized the importance of free trade policies and called for the Administration to prioritize constructive negotiations. Sanders advocated for solutions that maintain Arizona's economic health and benefit all involved parties—highlighting his point that engaging dialogue is necessary in preventing detrimental effects on the local agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Addressing the integration of Arizona's economy with international partners, Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, advocated for policies that "should make it easier for Arizona businesses to expand into new markets and grow their operations, not put up new barriers." Likewise, GPEC's President and CEO, Chris Camacho, reminded of Arizona's longstanding and beneficial trade history under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Highlighting the gravity of international trade in Arizona's market, he marked its importance to the ecosystem of vital industries and job creation in the state, according to the Office of the Arizona Governor.
