* Local newspapers throughout the country are already reeling from the president’s steep tariff on Canadian newsprint. Illinois is the fourth-ranked hog producer in the country, so China’s recent retaliatory 25 percent tariff on pork will definitely sting. China’s new 15 percent tariff on ethanol will hurt this state because we’re the 3rd highest producer (not to mention the corn farmers). Illinois is the number one soybean producer in America, so today’s development is not good news, either…

China has taken aim at America’s rural heartland as the top buyer of U.S. soybeans said it would restrict imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday said it plans to impose 25 percent duties on the commodity in addition to other U.S. agricultural produce including wheat, corn, cotton, sorghum, tobacco and beef. They’re among 106 products ranging from aircraft to chemicals targeted by Beijing in retaliation for proposed American duties on its high-tech goods. […] China is the world’s biggest importer of soybeans and America’s largest buyer in trade worth $14 billion last year. That figure had been set to grow after purchases climbed to a record as large-scale livestock farming expands amid a shortage of protein-rich feed grains. Soybeans led a tumble in agricultural prices, with the futures for May delivery dropping as much as 5.3 percent to $9.835 a bushel, the most since July 2016 for the most-active contract. The daily volume traded on the Chicago Board of Trade was more than seven times the 100-day average. Corn and cotton also declined.

According to the Tribune, one out of every three soybeans grown in America is exported to China.

* From Sen. Dick Durbin…

“Illinois’ farmers now join DACA recipients as the latest victims of President Trump’s temper. Illinois is our nation’s largest producer of soybeans, and a top producer of pork, and will feel China’s retaliation to threats of a trade war more than most. America cannot move forward in a blizzard of tweets and wild threats from this President.”

I’ve asked the governor’s office for a response. I’ll let you know if I hear back.

* Related…

* Illinois pork farmer on Chinese tariffs: ‘Our worst fears seem to be coming true’

*** UPDATE *** Rachel Bold in the governor’s office…