Governor Ferguson issues statement in response to latest round of Trump tariff announcements
President issues new tariff threats daily that will continue to wreak havoc on Washington’s economy
OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson issued the following statement today on President Trump’s recent tariff announcements, including new tariffs currently set to begin on Aug. 1:
“The escalating and illegal tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration represent a direct threat to affordability, economic stability and prosperity for Washington’s families, businesses and our communities.
“Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation. We are already seeing the impacts of this reckless trade agenda — businesses unable to plan for the future, global partners expressing concern and working families facing rising prices on everything from vehicles to appliances. Now, with 50% tariffs on key imports like steel, aluminum and copper, and sweeping reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% hitting dozens of trading partners starting Aug. 1, the cost of the president’s devastating trade war is only escalating.
“Washington is already shouldering disturbing economic impacts from the administration’s chaotic policy. Traffic at our ports is down. Our agricultural industry — a cornerstone of Washington’s economy — has seen a steep drop in shipments. Longstanding trade relationships are fraying. Costs for business are increasing while our global market is shrinking. These are not abstractions — these declines will lead to lost jobs and dampened economic momentum for our region.
“Our economic stability is being damaged by the whims of the president’s politically motivated, unilateral tariffs. I will do everything in my power to help businesses and workers navigate these destructive tariffs. While we are not completely powerless, ultimately the president must end his senseless trade war. Our economy hangs in the balance.”
Washington economic impacts
Washington has already seen devastating impacts from the president’s chaotic trade war. According to data from the Northwest Seaport Alliance, international imports were down 16.3% in June compared to the previous year. Truck transactions at our state’s ports were down more than 20%.
Washington’s agricultural export market — valued at $7.6 billion in 2024 — saw shipments to China, one of our largest trading partners fall 36% in May compared to 2024.
Governor Ferguson’s actions to combat federal trade policies
In May, Governor Ferguson led a coalition of 24 public and private partners to file an amicus brief supporting a multistate lawsuit to block the Trump Administration’s illegal tariffs. Ferguson and the partners argued that the “unlawful, arbitrary, and ever-changing tariff policy” is causing wide-ranging, significant and disproportionate harm in Washington state — one of the most trade-dependent states in the country.
State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, state legislators the mayors of Seattle and Spokane, five labor unions, the Washington Economic Development Association and other business and economic development interests joined Governor Ferguson to file the brief.
That same month, he held a press conference with dock workers, truckers, Port of Seattle leaders and others to talk about the impacts of the administration’s chaotic policies. His Commerce Department also published a Tariff Information and Resource Guide to help Washingtonians track the latest tariff developments. Businesses can also request one-on-one guidance from Commerce staff.
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