LADYSMITH, Wis. (WRN) — Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Missy Hughes spoke about the impact of trade tariffs on Wisconsin’s economy.
“What I’m hearing from businesses is disappointment about the uncertainty that the tariffs present. Concerns about upset supply chains and things like that,” Hughes said. “Companies are really frustrated. We have real concerns about the ultimate impact on Wisconsinites and how their prices, at the gas station or grocery store, might go up.”
The Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration would have adverse impacts to dairy and agriculture sectors, as the state struggles with a workforce shortage, Hughes said. A 2023 UW-Madison study estimated there were 10,000 such dairy workers in the state.
Hughes was in Ladysmith Thursday, to highlight WEDC grants, including a new round of Small Business Development grants.