LINCOLN COUNTY – In a trade fight that keeps escalating and the potential of a looming financial crisis, one phrase remains synonymous: wait and see.

In the two months of President Donald Trump’s second term, tariffs, a charge or tax by a government or a country on imports of goods, has been a constant conversation topic. Earlier this month though, the concern of tariffs skyrocketed when on March 4, Trump issued 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

In response, Canada imposed 25 percent tariffs on certain U.S. goods. That same day, tariffs on some Chinese goods increased from 10 to 20 percent. Not long after, China implemented retaliatory tariffs of 10-15 percent on American farming goods including corn, beef, and pork.

A few days after Trump put tariffs on Mexico and Canada, the U.S. would pause tariffs until April 2 in accordance with the United States Mexico Canada Agreement also known as USMCA.

Two weeks ago, Trump’s 25 percent tariff went into effect on aluminum and steel imported into the U.S. Striking back, Canada issued $20.6 billion on U.S. imports and the European Union announced $28.33 billion tariffs on U.S. goods starting sometime next month. A reprieve on tariffs on vehicles coming in from Mexico and Canada have been halted until April 2.

In the wake of the tariff rollercoaster, many have braced for the full impact, which has been minimal so far in Linoln County.

For some, Missouri agriculture is becoming a heavy concern as Mexico, China, and Canada are the top trading partners.

For the Missouri Rural Crisis Center(MRCC), tariffs is not the answer.

According to MRCC Communications Director Tim Gibbons, the best summation of how farmers are feeling about the tariffs is uncertainty.

“The decision on what to plant right now for farmers this planting season is up in the air because historically tariffs are on our trading partners,” he said.

Instead of tariffs, Gibbons says policy solutions, particularly the farm bill is a better option.

“Tariffs without a policy solution have historically lowered commodity prices for family farmers who raise commodities we export,” Gibbons said. “Instead of whack a mole tariffs, we need to look at policy solutions and legislation, specifically the farm bill that that would help pay farmers a price, ideally cost of production plus a living wage for the commodities they grow so that they can make money on the farm, stay on the farm, and pass the farm down to next generations.”

Thus far, tariffs have not become problematic for Sam Sullivan, owner and general manager of Central Elevator Inc. in Silex.

Ideally, Sullivan says there would be no tariffs and free trade would exist without any issues. Since that is not how the world works, he sees tariffs as a beneficial negotiating tool with foreign countries that in the end helps to balance free trade across all sides of the aisle.

“I think that’s something that a President probably should keep on the table and be willing to exercise if they need to for the betterment of the country. I feel like the administration knows what they’re doing,” he said.

But Bradley Schad, Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO has a different take. He says potential trade disruptions are only more ambiguity in already tough times with high production costs and low commodity prices. Schad says roughly 15 percent of U.S. corn is exported each year.

“International markets are critical to a farmer’s bottom line,” Schad said. “Mexico is the number one export market for U.S. corn. Canada is a top export market for U.S. ethanol. Corn farmers also import a substantial amount of fertilizer from Canada.The adage that farmers are price takers, not price makers, still holds. Farmers want to make a profit in the market. In our conversations with congressional delegates, we are urging quick negotiations to restore market access and bring stability to the agricultural sector. We need reliable markets and fair trade policies to sustain our farms and rural communities.”

Even though the tariffs have only slightly impacted Dan Prendergast’s Moscow Mills Lumber business, he says the unpredictability has made it difficult to predict the full impact.

“The pricing has gone up a little bit but nothing too terribly major,” he said. “It has affected the supply more than the pricing right now. Until they finalize the pushing back, the tariff amounts, and deadlines, I don’t know how much long-term it will impact us. There is a lot of uncertainty.”

As tariff seesawing continues, their potential impact could include the unforeseen, like water and sewer meters.

Troy Aldermen voted at a recent meeting to raise the connecting fees for sewer and water services because of the increased price of meters.

Troy Mayor Ron Sconce noted the meters cost had jumped to $12,000 over recent years which caused the increase.

Last week, the Lincoln County Journal reported at that same meeting, public works officials forewarned of 25 percent tariffs on Mexico goods, which many of the meters components come from and could cause another rise in cost.

“Some speculate that we will see another price increase but we are not certain of anything. The city will continue to monitor the cost to try to stay ahead of the issue,” Sconce said.