Losing the Chinese market is a contributing factor to the rise of farm bankruptcies filed this year

“In the first six months of 2025, 181 Chapter 12 bankruptcies were filed nationwide.”

Farm bankruptcies are soaring year-over-year. An ag attorney says that the new data includes some alarming numbers.

Joe Peiffer says, “The Administrative Office of the United States Courts points out, in the first six months of 2025, 181 Chapter 12 bankruptcies were filed nationwide. That is up 57% from what it was in 2024. That’s more filings than we had in either 2022 or 2023.”

He says that losing the China ag market is a contributing factor, and it will be hard to correct.

“Now China’s buying from Argentina. It’s been buying soybeans from Brazil. Once you lose a market like that, the chances of getting it back are really slim, because we’re no longer viewed as a reliable supplier because of the trade things that are going on.”

Peiffer says that it is not only the financial loss, but the emotional strain on farmers that is taking a toll.
He says that it is “fish or cut the bait” time for a lot of farmers and recommends they talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney and tax advisor.

Related Stories
Working capital is tightening for crop farms, increasing reliance on operating loans even as land values steady in the broader sector.
Higher ocean freight raises export costs just as global grain competition intensifies.
Rep. Michelle Fischbach shares her appreciation for rural communities and outlines how the Working Families Tax Cut is aimed to support farm families on RFD-TV’s Champions of Rural America.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer has developed a detailed calculator to help producers navigate the program’s requirements. He joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to explain how it works.
Henning Strauss, CEO of STRAUSS, joins us to share his company’s commitment to crafting tools that farmers wear.
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.