5 days ago
On the Record: Impact of tariffs on shipping ports in Central Illinois
Editor's note: Since this story aired on Saturday May 24, 2025, a federal court this week blocked the White House efforts to place tariffs on a wide range of goods coming into the nation. The ruling from a three-judge panel at the New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade came after several lawsuits arguing Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs exceeded his authority.
Not all the tariffs were blocked. Here's a list of some that weren't.
Below is our story from last week.
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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — As global trade policies continue to shift, the impact is being felt far beyond international borders, including right here in Central Illinois.
On this edition of 'On the Record,' we're exploring how tariffs are affecting shipping ports, and what this means for Central Illinois farmers. We sat down with Robert Sinkler, executive director of the Corn Belt Ports, to break down the ripple effects and the strategic importance of the Peoria Lock and Dam.
'Over half the goods that pass through the Peoria Lock and Dam are agricultural products,' he said. 'Illinois is the largest agricultural exporter in the Midwest, and more than 60% of our products move through here, down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, and out through ports in Louisiana to global markets.'
Shipping ports across the country are experiencing a slowdown due to trade uncertainties. For instance, the Port of Los Angeles reported a more than 30% drop in volume during the first week of May.
The port's executive director said inventory is not rebounding despite the Trump administration's 90 day deal to lower tariffs on China from 145% to 30%. Farmers also have to deal with reciprocal tariffs to sell their goods to China.
China is the world's largest importer of soybeans. It's also a major importer of corn and pork. While Central Illinois hasn't yet seen a massive decline, Sinkler pointed to the 2018 trade war as a warning sign.
'We lost nearly 20% of our market share to China for ag products,' he said. 'We just don't want to see that repeated.'
Export levels haven't fully rebounded since 2018, and Sinkler said that's causing concern for farmers and local businesses alike.
'The Midwest isn't going anywhere, and neither is the Corn Belt,' said Sinkler. 'Our infrastructure is solid, but businesses and farmers don't like uncertainty. It affects planning, investment, and long-term growth.
'The sooner we get past these trade uncertainties, the better it will be for everyone. Reducing that uncertainty is critical for the businesses and farmers who rely on waterborne commerce.'
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