President Trump’s tariff plan is slated to take effect this afternoon. It is a move months in the making, but now a number of ag groups are making a last-minute push, asking the Administration to reconsider.
Groups like the Farm Bureau, the National Farmers Union, and NASDA have all signed a letter to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, writing that sweeping tariffs would have negative consequences for the U.S. ag industry. They warn that retaliation would create hardships for farmers and ranchers who never recovered from the last round of tariffs.
They are asking for trade policy that advances U.S. agriculture and prioritizes new market access. President Trump is expected to enact the new trade policy this afternoon at 4:00 Eastern.
Not every industry is worried about the President’s plan, though. The Southern Shrimp Alliance welcomes tariffs, urging the President to effectively raise the price of foreign shrimp. The group accuses the Treasury Department of allowing foreign companies to directly compete with American fishermen and say it is causing multi-generational businesses to close shop. They hope tariffs will boost domestic production.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
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From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
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The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
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Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
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While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
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Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
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