As the Trump administration continues to implement across-the-board tariffs and threaten even more, Kansas businesses, farmers, and consumers are bracing for immediate economic disruptions and higher costs. The state’s economy faces mounting challenges across manufacturing, agriculture, and housing sectors.

Tariff Impact on Kansas: By the Numbers

Kansas’s economy is deeply connected to international trade, with exports reaching a record $14.4 billion in 2024, supporting nearly 400,000 jobs across the state.

Agriculture: Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy. In 2024, Kansas exported over $4.75 billion in agricultural goods, including meat, cereals, oilseeds, and dairy products. These exports not only support rural communities but also rely heavily on cost-effective access to global markets. Tariffs on inputs, equipment, and retaliatory trade measures from foreign partners threaten farm profitability.

Manufacturing: Kansas’s Manufacturing contributes $33.1 billion of value to the state’s economy, making up 14.5% of GDP, and employs more than 170,000 workers. Tariffs on imported components such as semiconductors, steel, and machinery are driving up input costs and delaying production timelines for manufacturers across the state.

Housing Affordability: Rising material costs are also impacting housing. As of January 2025, the median home price in Kansas reached $262,500, up 7.8% from the year prior. Tariffs on critical building materials such as wood, glass, and metals are projected to increase construction costs by nearly $10,900 per home, putting additional pressure on families already facing affordability challenges.