Hundreds of thousands of individuals are currently enjoying the Iowa State Fair, a popular event that includes various entertainment activities, a rodeo, and a yearly tradition of sculpting a life-size butter cow dating back to 1911. Similar to the Calgary Stampede in Canada, the Iowa State Fair is a significant gathering for politicians seeking to connect with voters, particularly as the U.S. midterms approach.
One of the pressing concerns among Iowans this year is the impact of President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation family farmer and president of the Iowa Farmers Union, expressed the challenges faced by farmers due to the chaotic nature of the trade war. Lehman highlighted the loss of international customers and the need for a more stable trade environment for farmers.
With Canada being Iowa’s primary export market, accounting for 30% of the state’s total goods exports in 2025, the impending threat of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods by Trump on August 19 poses a significant risk to Iowa farmers like Lehman. Efforts are underway to secure a trade deal between the two countries, but an agreement remains elusive at this time.
The economic turmoil caused by Trump’s policies is straining the relationship between the President and Iowa farmers, leading to increased competition in the upcoming midterm elections. Polling data suggests that Democrats are either leading or closely competing in crucial races such as the Iowa governor and U.S. senator positions, marking a shift from previous elections where Republicans held a clear advantage.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended Trump’s tariff tactics during a visit to Iowa, emphasizing the administration’s focus on making American industry competitive through tariffs and tax cuts. In Iowa, Republican officials have shown varying stances on Trump’s tariffs, with some expressing concerns over the impact on trade relations with Canada.
Despite ongoing negotiations between Canada and the U.S. to reach a tariff deal, significant disagreements persist, delaying a potential resolution. The Canadian government remains cautious about the proposed tariff reductions on auto sector tariffs, indicating a lack of consensus between the two sides. As the deadline looms, provinces and territories have been advised to prepare for potential changes in trade policies and agreements with the U.S. in response to the escalating trade tensions.
