Kotek Wants To Know How Tariffs Have Impacted Oregon

Governor Tina Kotek is worried the President’s latest tariff announcement will disrupt supply networks for Oregon businesses.  On Tuesday, she joined governors from Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, and New York raising concerns about the potential economic impact of tariffs implemented by the Administration.  Kotek announced she is giving state agencies 90 days to provide an analysis of how tariffs are and will continue to impact the state.  Once a complete report is compiled, Kotek’s office says agencies may begin coordinating with the private sector for a broader look at the economic impact of tariffs.

We Need A Full Picture Of Oregon's Economy

“I don’t like surprises, especially when it comes to Oregonians’ pocketbooks for things like groceries, school supplies, or even medications. We need a full picture of where we anticipate the pain points are for Oregon’s economy.

“People should be able to get what they need from the store at prices they can afford. And businesses need predictable conditions to succeed. When I heard from businesses earlier this year, there was anxiety, uncertainty, and an information vacuum from the federal government. While the Trump Administration has failed to fill in the gaps, there are actions we can do right here in Oregon to be better prepared.

“That’s why I am exercising my authority to direct relevant state agencies to analyze everything from supply chain impact in the agricultural sector to employment trends across industries.”

What Information Will State Agencies Gather?

Here are the details of Governor Kotek’s directive:

The Oregon Business Development Department, in collaboration with the Oregon Employment Department, shall consider and report on the following: 

• Employment trends observed since tariff implementation
• Industries and economic development regions that are most notably affected by trade-related changes
• Key challenges reported by Oregon businesses related to the new trade environment and tariff policy

The Oregon Department of Agriculture shall consider and report on the following: 

• Agricultural supply chain disruptions and industry adaptations observed since U.S. tariff implementation
• Food cost trends and impacts on Oregon consumers
• Export challenges facing Oregon agricultural sectors. 

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management shall consider and report on the following: 

• Overview of emergency response supply challenges resulting from the new trade environment and tariff policy, including categories of emergency supplies affected by procurement or cost challenges and any notable stockpile or equipment concerns
• Summary of emergency procurement adjustments resulting from the new trade environment and tariff policy, including changes to sourcing strategies for critical supplies and approaches to maintaining preparedness, within budget constraints. 

Following receipt of the above information, observations, and consideration, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall prepare and publicly produce a report describing the impact of the Trump Administration’s U.S. Tariff Policy on the State of Oregon based on the information reported.

You may remember, Kotek also launched a Survey with Business Oregon to get additional information about impacts to businesses. 

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