Across the board tariffs by the U.S. are upsetting trade all over the world. Kentucky is no exception. Kentucky is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation, with imports comprising 32.3% of its GDP and exports at 16.3%. This heavy reliance on global trade, especially in sectors like automotive and aerospace, makes Kentucky particularly vulnerable to new tariffs proposed by President Trump. Both of Kentucky’s U.S. senators, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, along with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, have expressed concerns that these tariffs could disrupt the state’s economy, affecting manufacturers, distillers, and farmers. Others say that while these tariffs hurt short term, they are essential in the long-term to bringing about fair trade and to make sure our businesses are competing on a level playing filed.