Corn Exports Hold Strong Despite Tariffs

Despite tariffs having a less significant impact on exports, corn producers struggle with tariff-related increases on inputs, which complicates their bottom line.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Corn exports have not been as heavily impacted by trade tariffs as other commodity crops. However, according to Troy Schneider, a board member of the National Corn Growers Association (NGCA), corn growers still face similar challenges as they navigate the impact of tariffs.

“The tariffs have not affected our exports like they have other commodities,” Schneider said. “We’re seeing record exports of our corn going across the border into Mexico, into other countries, and that’s something we’re excited about.”

The NGCA leader says growers are struggling to keep up with rising input costs, such as those linked to tariffs on steel and fertilizer, impacting their bottom line.

“However, when you have those record high prices—you know, steel, you look at steel—okay, if I wanted to put a new irrigation well in right now, re-drill it, the casing alone would have…I wouldn’t want to guess what the percent-increase would be from five, six years ago, before COVID,” Schneider said. “And so, it’s just those input prices; yes, we are paying it. We’re paying it both ways, in every way.”

NGCA has recently formed a task force to address the growing needs of farmers in its sector, citing the exponential increase in input costs and the need to address these issues as the catalyst for the task force’s formation.

The USDA is set to issue a second ECAP payment and inform farmers that any application approved after September 25 will receive the payment in a single lump sum.

Related Stories
Outdated reporting thresholds reduce cash-market visibility and increase the urgency of comprehensive Mandatory Price Reporting reform.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland shares the soybean sector outlook following the announcement of farm aid to offset losses for U.S. row crop growers.
Stable U.S. fundamentals continue for major crops, but global adjustments in corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton may influence early-2026 pricing.
Corn and wheat exports continue to outperform last year, while soybeans show steady but subdued movement compared to 2024.
Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.
Grain farms still have strong balance sheets, but another stretch of low profits will force hard cost cuts, especially on high-rent, highly leveraged operations.
Mold damage is tightening China’s corn supplies, supporting higher prices and creating potential demand for alternative feed grains in early 2026.
Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.