Upstate New Yorkers Should Brace for Impacts of Double-Digit Tariffs

March 4th, 2025

The following statement can be attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United

“As an organization that has long advocated for taxpayers, economic growth, and businesses and trade organizations from across Upstate New York, it is critical to speak out against actions that will lead to the opposite of our mission.

 “Implementing these double-digit tariffs on our state’s largest trading partners will negatively impact New Yorkers, local businesses, and industries – many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet. In 2024, New York exported $91.2 billion of goods worldwide. In 2022, exports from New York supported an estimated 263 thousand jobs. Now, business owners and industry leaders will have to decide between passing down increased costs to consumers, laying off employees, or both.

“The uncertainty and implications of these misguided policies should concern all New Yorkers. Unfortunately, as of today, it’s only the beginning.”