Minnesota Trade Mission Targets Switzerland, Germany

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen traveled with Governor Tim Walz and nearly 70 delegates on a trade mission to Germany and Switzerland. “We had leaders from the corn growers, soybean growers, edible bean, Farmers Union, some companies, and the University of Minnesota.” Petersen noted tariff issues were a frequent discussion point, particularly after Switzerland reduced a 39 percent tariff to 15 percent. “Up until right when we got there, Switzerland had a 39 percent tariff, where they’ve had over a $1 billion added in cost just because of that,” said Petersen. “The farmers will end up paying at some point.”