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Past Is Prologue: Big Problems In The Louisiana Bayou

Four of America’s 10 busiest shipping ports are in Louisiana, a state whose economy relies heavily on trade. During President Trump’s first administration, tariffs dealt a severe blow, devastating industries from agriculture to natural gas and wiping out jobs statewide. 

Now, in his second term, the threat of escalating trade wars and retaliatory tariffs has Louisiana bracing for another economic hit.

Tariff Impact On Louisiana During Trump’s First Term

  • In 2018 and 2019, it’s estimated that Louisiana lost between $100 and $250 million in exports due to President Trump’s retaliatory tariffs. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3/7/22)
  • In 2019, a proposed $1.25 billion factory plant was stalled as a Chinese investor cited “rising capital costs” amid U.S.-China trade tensions. (NOLA, 2/3/20) 
  • In the last six months of 2019, the Port of New Orleans, which is the largest port of entry for U.S. steel and iron imports, saw bulk cargo volumes fall by 25%, and the Port of South Louisiana just upriver from New Orleans saw a 15% drop in total cargo volumes for 2019, hurting Louisiana’s economy. (NOLA, 2/3/20)

Tariff Impact On Louisiana Today

  • More than 553,000 jobs in Louisiana are supported by trade, and $7.1 billion worth of total state exports are threatened by new tariffs. (Shreveport Times, 3/8/25)
  • Louisiana produces and exports $5.6 billion worth of soybeans and more than $300 million worth of natural gas to China. With retaliatory tariffs, this export income could vanish. (Shreveport Times, 3/8/25)
  • Additionally, $87.4 million worth of total exports to the European Union, including iron, corn and vegetables, are threatened by Trump’s new tariffs. Retaliatory tariffs could deplete this export income. (Shreveport Times, 3/8/25)
  • Due to President Trump’s increased tariffs on steel and aluminum, one steel factory in Louisiana has closed, leaving hundreds jobless. (Shreveport Times, 3/8/25) 

What Louisiana Is Saying About Tariffs Today

  • Stephen Toups, CEO, Turner Industries: “I keep hearing about all these deals being put on hold. If someone puts a huge tariff on a particular item, that has got to factor into the conversation about whether a plant gets built or not.” (NOLA, 2/20/25)
  • Jay Lapeyre, CEO, Laitram: “It’s inevitable that the arms race in tariffs will not go well. If you impose tariffs on steel and aluminum, you may create a few jobs in those industries but it is going to be tiny relative to the incremental cost for any business looking to invest here.” (NOLA, 2/20/25)
  • Matt Shultz, Chief Consumer Finance Analyst, Lending Tree: “When it comes to Louisiana, you’ll certainly do a lot of trade with those three countries [China, Mexico, Canada] as well. So there definitely could be an impact in terms of potential prices.” (KTAL, 3/13/25)

What Louisiana Said About Tariffs During Trump’s First Term

  • Former Congressman Charles Boustany: “The historic rise in costs for American businesses, farmers and consumers is only the beginning. Tariffs are taxes on Americans, and every month this trade war continues these taxes will continue to go up.” (The Daily Advertiser, 12/13/18)
    • “Instead of doubling down on tariffs, it is time for meaningful negotiations to take place. We urge the administration to pursue negotiations with our trading partners that will de-escalate the trade war.” (The Daily Advertiser, 12/13/18)