Lawmakers’ letter to Pres. Trump: Keep ag in mind with trade policy discussions

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.

Related Stories
This Final Rule adopts the changes introduced in the Interim Final Rule, consolidating seven agency-specific NEPA regulations into a single, department-wide framework, reducing the overall volume of regulations by 66 percent.
Tight global supply is likely to keep fuel and fertilizer costs elevated.
Dr. Michael Langemeier with Purdue University provided perspective on the improving farmer sentiment and the trends shaping the agricultural economy moving forward.
The sugar policy debate affects prices, trade, and farm stability.
Cattle producers face mounting pressure as U.S.-Mexico trade talks resume, but expanding drought, rising input costs, and policy work to improve the long-term industry outlook.
The White House’s plan calls for a nearly 20 percent reduction in the USDA’s budget, which would impact various food and agriculture aid programs.