Pritzker signs executive order responding to impact of tariffs on
Illinois
[July 15, 2025]
By Ben Szalinski
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order Monday
requiring Illinois agencies to draft recommendations to respond to
tariffs being implemented by President Donald Trump.
The order requires seven state agencies to “consider the specific
impacts that the U.S. tariffs have had on Illinois and provide draft
recommendations of measures to mitigate the impact of these tariffs”
within the next 100 days, which would be Oct. 22.
Pritzker said in a statement that tariffs amount to a tax increase on
consumers and contribute to economic uncertainty.
“This Executive Order ensures we have a clear-eyed view of the impact
the Trump Slump will cause from higher prices at the grocery store to
uncertainty in our farms and factories,” Pritzker said. “We’re working
with other states to stand up for working people and protect our
economies when we can.”

The order cites large tariffs Trump has unilaterally implemented on most
countries, including some of Illinois’ largest trading partners, saying
the tariffs have raised prices for consumers and businesses and led to
supply chain disruptions. The order says tariffs as well as retaliatory
tariffs countries have imposed on the United States are hurting “vital
sectors of the Illinois economy.”
After previously pushing off implementation of some tariffs until Aug. 1
to allow time for negotiations, Trump announced last week many countries
will see tariffs take effect. His latest policy includes 35% tariffs on
Canada, 30% on Mexico and the European Union, and between 25% and 40% on
many Asian countries. The president previously imposed 145% tariffs on
goods from China in the spring, but many of his latest rates are lower
than they would have been earlier this year.
Illinois imports more goods from Canada than any other country.
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Order’s requirements
Under Pritzker’s executive order, state agencies must examine the impact
of tariffs on certain sectors of the economy or the agency’s operations.
The departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Employment
Security will evaluate challenges reported by businesses, employment
trends since tariffs have been implemented, and industries most affected
by tariffs.
The Department of Human Services will evaluate trends in food donations
and supply chain challenges for food assistance programs, as well as the
purchasing power of food banks and their ability to meet demand.
The Department of Transportation and the Capitol Development Board will
assess the impact of tariffs on construction costs, and the ability to
purchase construction materials and complete projects within their
timelines.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland
Security will evaluate any impacts to stockpiles and the ability to
obtain supplies, including staying prepared for emergencies within
budget constraints.
Pritzker’s executive order was part of actions taken by seven Democratic
governors to understand the impact of tariffs on their states.
Capitol News Illinois is
a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government
coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily
by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
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