A group of House lawmakers is asking President Trump to keep farmers in mind when furthering his trade policy, and it comes as another major trade deadline appears on the horizon.
The President is still planning to initiate reciprocal tariffs starting April 2nd, a little over one week away. However, some House Republicans, like Texas Representative Jodey Arrington, are asking for grace, requesting Trump to keep farmers in mind as he furthers his trade agenda.
They write trade barriers opposed by other countries hurt farmers, warning some countries will likely target the U.S. beef industry. Arrington says the U.S. has taken little action over the last few years.
The letter also highlights the growing ag trade deficit, which hit $32 billion last year, the highest on record. USDA’s most recent Farm Income Forecast shows profits are set to increase for the first time this year since 2022, but that is largely because of the assistance package that is currently being distributed.
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