LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., is sounding the alarm on inflation, as gas and lumber prices may jump from the tariffs on Canada. 

What You Need To Know

  • President Donald Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China have garnered mixed reaction from Kentucky lawmakers 

  • Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey of Louisville criticized Trump's decision and said the tariffs will hurt the commonwealth's bourbon industry 

  • A representative for U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Lexington, praised the president 

  • Canada has implemented 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods

Grocery prices are expected to increase as well as a result of the tariffs from Mexico. In a post on X, Beshear placed the blame solely on President Donald Trump.

"Let me tell you, this decision was made solely by President Trump," Beshear said. "And the amount things will cost more is the 'Trump tax' on you and your family."

Canada has already announced retaliatory tariffs of more than $100 billion on U.S. products. Experts said they believe Kentucky's bourbon industry will be a target in those efforts; the Toronto Sun reported Ontario is already pulling spirits off shelves and canceling orders.

"You can have strategic tariffs," said U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville. "That's not what these are; these are broad tariffs to our allies. And we know that in Kentucky, Canada's our largest trading partner. It's going to have a real impact on our economy, particularly with bourbon and automobiles."

A representative for U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Lexington, issued a statement saying, "President Trump's America First trade policies are delivering results, and I fully support his efforts to hold our trading partners accountable and level the playing field for American workers, farmers and distillers. For too long, one-sided trade deals put Kentucky industries at a disadvantage."

The statement goes on to say Barr is confident that Trump knows how to protect Kentucky's bourbon industry, proven by India reducing its tariffs on bourbon from 150% to 100%.

As of midnight March 4, there are now 25% tariffs on goods coming into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada. Tariffs on Chinese goods have also doubled to 20%. The Trump administration said the tariffs are being implemented because not enough action is being taken on fentanyl coming into the country. In return, Canada has implemented 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods. 

Related Stories