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John Deere Faces Employee Reductions due to Trump's Foolish Tariffs

Tractor manufacturers claim that tariffs are creating a volatile environment for their customers.

Deere & Co. Faces Job Cuts Due to Trump's Foolish Tariff Measures on Agricultural Equipment
Deere & Co. Faces Job Cuts Due to Trump's Foolish Tariff Measures on Agricultural Equipment

John Deere Faces Employee Reductions due to Trump's Foolish Tariffs

In a recent development, John Deere, the renowned tractor seller, announced a raft of layoffs affecting 71 workers at its foundry in Iowa and another 167 workers at various locations in Illinois. This news comes amidst a challenging period for the farm-equipment industry, as they grapple with slow demand and the effects of tariff uncertainty and deflated commodity prices.

According to CFRA Research analyst Jonathan Sakraida, farmers are increasingly cautious in their spending decisions and more hesitant to accept higher machinery prices due to tariff uncertainty and deflated commodity prices. This trend is echoed by John Deere's Worldwide Agriculture and Turf Division President, Cory Reed, who stated during the company's recent earnings call that tariffs are a factor in buying decisions.

The Des Moines Register reported on the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on farm-equipment makers, stating that the economy isn't doing great. Farmers are opting to rent machinery instead of buying due to these same factors, further contributing to the slow demand.

In a unique turn of events, a small group of entrepreneurs, known as the "Citizens' Initiative Against the Trump Government's Tariff Policy," have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration. Their case was handled by the U.S. Court of International Trade, and if successful, could potentially see the government paying back all tariff revenue to the businesses it affected. This potential payback would be a terrible humiliation, a logistical nightmare, and a financial disaster for the federal government.

John Deere's earnings report also notes that President Trump's tariffs have added to the woes of farm-equipment makers. The company's executives revealed a downturn in profits during the earnings call, with part of this decline possibly attributed to the climate of uncertainty created by the administration's tariff regime.

This news serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching effects of tariff policies on various industries, including the farm-equipment sector. As the situation continues to evolve, it's crucial for businesses and policymakers alike to navigate these challenges with care and consideration for all parties involved.

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