“Farmers will be helped greatly": Trump says tariffs will benefit U.S. producers

The 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum is officially in place. President Trump signed the official proclamation last night.

The move includes a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum from all countries. Tariffs had already been in place, but there had been exceptions. The move is supported by steel manufacturers in the United States, who have long asked for protections from cheaper foreign imports.

President Trump called the move a big deal and said it is time for great industries to come back to America. The President also talked about concerns that recent tariff action would hurt farmers and ranchers.

“The farmers are going to be helped greatly because they’re not going to be dumping everything into our country. This would be a great bill for farmers. In terms of retaliation, if they retaliate, it’s reciprocal. So, if they raise it a little bit, then we raise it immediately. So, I don’t think it helps for them to retaliate.”

Tariffs have been a big topic out of Washington since Trump took office. There is still a pause on 25 percent blanket tariffs on Canada and Mexico while discussions continue.

Related Stories
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The bill to once again allow schools to offer whole milk and 2% milk will now go to President Trump for approval.
Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.