The U.S. Trade Representative is considering extra fees on Chinese-built ships. Soy groups are concerned, saying it will take a lot of money out of the hands of their farmers.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition says “Made in America” runs in a farmer’s blood, but warns these ship fees could make it or break it for most.
“Things like barges and tow boats, dredges, those all have to be built in the United States. There’s a law that that stipulates that, it’s called the Jones Act, and we were so we’ve been long supportive of that. So we have this track record of supporting the domestic ship building industry. We think that certainly has room to improve over time, and we applaud the administration for pursuing that. Again, it’s all about the time horizon for execution and doing it in a way that doesn’t harm other made-in-America industries.”
Steenhoek says if these fees go through, ships going from the Pacific Northwest to China could see costs increase up to nearly $12.30 a bushel, which would ultimately get passed on to the farmer. He says if farmers then passed those costs to consumers, buyers would find sellers in places like Brazil or Argentina.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
·
New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
January 19, 2026 11:50 AM
