There are more details flowing about the recent trade deal with Japan.
Rice was a major component, but the numbers are better than expected, and now more ag goods are included in the deal.
A White House fact sheet shows Japan will increase U.S. rice imports by as much as 75 percent, and they will also buy $8 billion worth of additional U.S. goods, like fertilizer, ethanol, and sustainable jet fuel, as well as commodities, like corn and soybeans.
Details show American manufacturing could get a boost there as well, with U.S. automotive standards now approved there for the first time ever.
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Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
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.
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
