Liberation Day Tariffs: A Wake-Up Call to Trucking Professionals to Think, Plan, and Move

Liberation Day Tariffs — President Trump’s bold push to ‘liberate’ the American economy through sweeping tariffs and economic nationalism — have officially dropped, and it’s time for every trucking professional to rethink strategy, watch the numbers, and adjust before the market does it for them.”and the ripple effects are already being felt across the globe. Whether you’re cheering the policy or still trying to make sense of it, one thing is clear: this moment demands attention, insight, and action – it presents opportunities.

That’s why I put together this list of each state’s top import and export commodities, their total trade value, and top trading partners.

You might ask, “Why should I care about tariffs or trade deficits and surpluses?” Because whether you’re a carrier, broker, or dispatcher—freight moves where business happens. And trade is business.

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Tariffs Create Opportunity—If You Know Where to Look

It’s easy to get rattled when the economic headlines shift overnight. But those who build their business around opportunity—especially during disruption—are the ones who will win long-term.

Many carriers thought they hit the jackpot during COVID. Rates were up. Freight was plentiful. But as I said back then—it wasn’t real. It was a bubble. And bubbles burst. Now we’re in a new phase. A strategic one. One where it’s not enough to just have wheels on the road—you need your mind on the market.

Tariffs may raise costs. They may impact international freight. But they also shift demand, create new lanes, and reveal new players. That’s your opportunity. The smart ones will spot where supply chains are moving and position themselves to serve the new demand.

📣 Tariffs: How They Flow Through the System and Impact You 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽 🇨🇳

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Why This Trade Data Matters

This isn’t just a trivia list. It’s a tool. It’s fuel for strategy.

If you’re in Texas, knowing your state’s top export is petroleum helps you understand the flow of goods and why certain freight lanes matter. If you’re in Illinois, knowing your top export is machinery tells you who to talk to and what to move. If your state has a trade deficit, that means more imports than exports—a clue that inbound freight could be consistent and competitive.

The full list shows:

• Results for all 50 states
• Top 3 Imports & Exports from each state
• Total Value of Imports and Exports
• Top Trade Partners

I’ve included the Top 10 states in this post, but if you want the full breakdown for all 50 states, email us at support@fr8connect.com and we’ll send it your way.

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Below, each state’s top import country and top export country for goods (past 12 months through December 2024) are listed with the leading commodity traded, the trade value, and the percentage of the state’s total goods imports or exports that commodity trade represents:

Goods: Top State Trade Partners (Imports & Exports)^{1 2}

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Here’s What You Should Be Doing Right Now

• Don’t sit still. Read the data. Think through what it means for your business.
• Position your services where trade is active or growing—imports, exports, ports, industrial zones.
• Diversify your lanes. The road to revenue in 2025 doesn’t look like 2020. You need new maps.
• Build relationships. Carriers who go direct to shipper will outlast the ones chasing load boards.
• Track indicators. Use our weekly webinars, blog posts, and newsletter to stay ahead.
• Stay informed. Be aware of how countries we trade with are reacting to U.S. tariffs. Their responses will impact domestic importers and exporters. Some doors will close, others will open—and businesses will shift. Your freight opportunities will shift with them.

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A Final Word

This chart doesn’t show whether your state is operating at a trade surplus or deficit—it focuses on the top imported and exported commodities, trade partners, and values. But if you’re curious about additional commodities your state moves, or whether it’s running a trade deficit or surplus, I invite you to reach out directly.

Because this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about helping you build a better business strategy. And that starts with knowing the landscape, spotting the shifts, and preparing to act—regardless of whether times are booming or turbulent.

So if you’re ready to dig deeper into your state of interest, or talk strategy in light of the Liberation Day tariffs, send us a message. We’re here to help you move smarter.

Sources/Legend

1. Saskatchewan Trade ↩︎
2. OEC ↩︎
3. Name of the U.S. state ↩︎
4. Country that sends the most goods/services to that state ↩︎
5. The single top imported item from that country (not total imports) ↩︎
6. 💵 Value of that top imported item (not total imports) ↩︎
7. That item’s share of the state’s total imports ↩︎
8. Country that buys the most goods/services from that state ↩︎
9. The single top exported item to that country (not total exports) ↩︎
10. 💵 Value of that top exported item (not total exports) ↩︎
11. That item’s share of the state’s total exports ↩︎