South Dakotans, delegation react to tariff changes

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - According to the organization South Dakota Trade, the total exports in South Dakota come out to $7.4 billion, and imports to the state are lower at $1.7 billion.

A South Dakota businessman said the tariff situation put his business at a standstill, while South Dakota’s leaders in Washington gave their response to the high court’s decision.

Growing up in Aberdeen, Jeff Lassle was optimistic about leaving California and returning home to grow his manufacturing business. He believes global trade is beneficial.

Lassle’s two companies manufacture wall components. He imports goods from China and Canada.

“You know, I’m not a little importer that pulls in a container here every month or so. When I bring in stuff from around the world, I bring in shiploads of materials,” said Lassle.

Lassle said everything was coming together.

“We already had set up the Rapid City Rail Company. We already had set up the Rapid City Rail Company,” said Lassle.

And then the tariffs were announced.

“I spent a lot of money being here. I lost a lot of money here, and what I request is that politicians will listen to the needs of people who are putting people to work,” said Lassle.

He claims that the lack of communication added insult to injury.

“We tried to get Thune, Rounds, and Johnson’s help on it, and they wouldn’t even give us the time of day. So yeah, we’re kind of miffed at that,” said Lassle.

With the changes in tariffs due to the Supreme Court ruling and President Trump’s response, the question now becomes, how can affected industries recover?

Doug Sombke of the South Dakota Farmers Union reflects ongoing frustration, saying:

“It’s too early to know how this will change things for farmers. The damage is already done. We have lost our trading partners due to lack of trust. Now it’s up to Congress to fix our broken farm economy. Something they have failed to even attempt to do for far too long. For one party to have complete control of our federal government, they sure haven’t shown any leadership to fix what’s broken.”

Those representing South Dakotans in Washington, D.C., all said they will continue to work with the administration.

Rep. Dusty Johnson added:

“While tariffs can be a powerful negotiating tool, I don’t support high tariffs as a long-lasting or permanent trade policy. I look forward to continuing work with President Trump to secure better trade deals, reduce trade barriers, and deliver for American producers and consumers.”

John Thune tweeted:

Tariffs can be an important and effective tool to address unfair trade practices and help level the playing field with foreign competitors. Senate Republicans will continue working with the administration and our colleagues in the House to advance our shared goal to strengthen rural America, including South Dakota’s farm and ranch communities, and the broader U.S. economy.

And Sen. Mike Rounds said:

“President Trump is an expert in the art of the deal and has spent the first year of his second term fighting for fair trade deals that benefit South Dakota farmers and ranchers. There’s no doubt that tariffs brought multiple countries to the negotiating table that would not have come around otherwise. We’ll continue to work with the Trump Administration to build on this momentum.”

While reassembling his business plan, Hassle said he’s likely moving his business out of state, not because of the tariffs, but due to what he believes is better communication with lawmakers in Indiana.

The South Dakota office of the International Trade Administration said: