Pritzker slams Trump's tariffs, warns 'working families will pay the price'

President Trump set to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada

President Trump's proposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico are expected to go into effect on Saturday.

ILLINOIS - President Donald Trump signed an order Saturday to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China – a move that could drive up prices for U.S. consumers.

Shortly after the order was enacted, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker responded, saying, "working families will pay the price."

Illinois Gov. Sounds Off on Trump's Tariffs

Gov. Pritzker's Statement:

"Let’s call these tariffs what they are: Trump’s Taxes on Working Families. If these tariffs remain in place, it will jack up the price of groceries and goods, make gas more expensive, and raise utility bills. While Donald Trump is making millions off his corrupt crypto schemes and memes, working families will pay the price.

"Trade is an anchor of the Illinois economy. Illinois is the single largest exporting state in the Midwest and fourth largest exporter in the United States. Our jobs and economic success are linked to our top two trading partners, Canada and Mexico, and also China. No other state in the nation imports more goods to Canada than the Land of Lincoln, and Illinois is one of the top five of all 50 states in exports to both Canada and Mexico. All together, Illinois exports support 800,000 jobs across the state – jobs now at risk.

"Growing the Illinois economy and creating jobs is always a priority for me – and I will continue working with our trading partners to support the economic might of Illinois with everything I’ve got. But ultimately if Trump's Taxes on Working Families remain in effect, they would force businesses and supply chains to pass costs onto Illinois consumers. If prices go up and jobs are killed, we must all give credit where credit is due: Donald Trump," said Gov. Pritzker.

(From left) President Donald Trump, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. (FOX 32/Getty Images )

What we know:

Under the order, Trump has declared an economic emergency, imposing a 10% tariff on all imports from China and a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada.

However, Canadian oil will see a 10% rate instead of 25%.

According to the Trump administration, the tariffs aim to address "the extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl," which they classify as a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

What is a Tariff?:

Tariffs are taxes on imports, typically calculated as a percentage of the price paid by buyers to foreign sellers.

In the U.S., Customs and Border Protection agents collect tariffs at 328 ports of entry nationwide.

Trump has been threatening tariffs to push countries for stronger action on illegal immigration and fentanyl-related chemical smuggling. He has also pledged that the tariffs will boost domestic manufacturing.

However, experts warn that the tariffs could have consequences, claiming a 25% tax could be like "throwing a grenade" into major U.S. industries, including auto and oil.

Dig deeper:

Gov. Pritzker has provided details on Illinois' total trade with its top partners, Canada and Mexico, shared below:

Total Trade between Illinois and Canada in 2023

Illinois exports to Canada totaled $20.55 billion in 2023, a 31% increase since 2019.
Canada is Illinois’ 1st largest export market.
Illinois ranks 5th among the 50 U.S. states in exports to Canada.
Illinois imports from Canada totaled $65.63 billion in 2023, a 75.8% increase since 2019. Canada is Illinois’ 1st largest import market.
Illinois ranks 1st among the 50 U.S. states in imports from Canada.

Total Trade between Illinois and Mexico in 2023

Illinois exports to Mexico totaled $12.93 billion in 2023, a 39.0% increase since 2019.
Mexico is Illinois’ 2nd largest export market.
Illinois ranks 4th among the 50 U.S. states in exports to Mexico.
Illinois imports from Mexico totaled $18.27 billion in 2023, a 43.7% increase since 2019 Mexico is Illinois’ 3rd largest import market.
Illinois ranks 4th among the 50 U.S. states in imports from Mexico.

What we don't know:

It remains unclear what impact the tariffs will have on U.S. consumers and what items specifically will see a price hike.

There’s also uncertainty around whether Trump will follow through on his threat to impose tariffs on the European Union.