(The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator hopes Walmart’s announcement that it will be expanding support for American-made products isn’t just a “press pop.”
Walmart says its goal is to make it “easier for U.S.-based entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of retail and bring their products to a national stage.”
This comes as President Donald Trump continues imposing tariffs on foreign goods as a way to encourage more investment in manufacturing inside the United States.
State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, said that despite Walmart’s presence, Illinois still has a highly toxic business climate that one company alone can’t fix.
“Because of the intensity with which President Trump has moved global markets, I don’t think many are surprised to see big box stores trying to align with his interests – and with where most Americans are – by calling for more opportunities for small businesses to compete and get on shelves at places like Walmart and Target,” said Chesney. “But people are right to be skeptical when wealthy companies claim to care about average citizens, since their buying habits often suggest otherwise.”
Chesney said medium-sized businesses need a fair chance to compete in spaces where they’ve long been pushed out by cheaper products and looser labor rules.
“Our foreign partners and adversaries have dumped cheap products into our communities, hollowing out mid-sized and small manufacturing. That’s why you don’t see it much anymore, it’s because of trade deals, not because American workers can’t or won’t do the job,” said Chesney.
The Economic Times reports that in recent months, China has witnessed a surge in worker protests, with many demanding unpaid wages and compensation following factory closures.
Chesney said there’s a new president focused on American, not global, interests, and big box stores like Walmart are starting to take notice.
“They’ve taken much more of a Wall Street interest, and that is what I think President Trump is trying to correct,” said Chesney.
Chesney said he’s encouraged by the news that Walmart wants to open up additional lanes for small businesses, but the impact for Illinois is to be determined.
“We still have an outmigration of population, and a lot of our producers are leaving this state to more tax friendly states,” said Chesney.
Illinois continues to experience significant outbound migration, with nearly 300,000 residents leaving the state in 2023. This trend has been driven by factors such as high taxes, cost of living and job opportunities in other states, according to Illinois legislators like Chesney.
