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

Tariff Impact on Nebraska: By the Numbers

Nebraska’s economy is deeply connected to international trade, with exports totaling $8.2 billion in 2024 and supporting more than 288,000 jobs across the state.

Agriculture: Nebraska’s is the 5th largest agricultural exporting state in the country, with $7.9 billion in exports in 2023. It is currently the No. 1 beef and veal producing state in the US and highly sensitive to international trade policies. Tariffs on imported inputs like fertilizer, machinery, and feed threaten to raise costs for Nebraska farmers and ranchers.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing contributes $21 billion of value to Nebraska’s economy, accounting for 11.6% of the state’s GDP and employing over 103,000 workers. Tariffs on imported raw materials, such as steel and aluminum, can increase production costs for manufacturers, potentially reducing competitiveness and leading to decreased exports.

Transportation and Warehousing: Nebraska’s central location makes it a vital freight hub, with 25% of all interstate travel and 35% of rural interstate travel conducted by combination trucks—the second-highest share nationally. In 2022, Nebraska’s freight system moved 384 million tons of goods valued at $217 billion, with projections indicating a 58% increase in freight weight and a 104% rise in value by 2050. Tariffs that reduce export volumes or increase equipment costs could significantly impact this sector, leading to decreased freight activity and potential job losses.