WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Two new trade frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam aim to pry open high-growth Southeast Asian markets for U.S. farm goods — and reduce border red tape. Both pacts promise broader tariff relief and faster approvals, positioning rural exporters to move more corn, soy products, meat, poultry, dairy, and ethanol into the region as logistics and paperwork improve.
Thailand plans to eliminate tariffs on about 99 percent of goods, expedite access for FSIS-certified meat and poultry, issue import permits for fuel ethanol, and keep rules for U.S. horticulture and DDGS science- and risk-based.
Vietnam commits “preferential market access” for substantially all U.S. industrial and agricultural exports, plus workstreams on SPS certificates, IP, and conformity assessment. The United States, for now, maintains reciprocal tariffs — 19 percent on Thailand and 20 percent on Vietnam — while carving out select product lanes to zero under aligned-partner lists.
At the farm gate, the Thailand framework signals immediate opportunity for corn, soymeal, DDGS, poultry, pork, and ethanol; Vietnam’s package supports grains, oilseeds, meats, and specialty foods as non-tariff hurdles come down. Both deals also stress labor and environmental standards — a backdrop that can stabilize long-term access.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.
November 19, 2025 11:06 AM
·
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
November 18, 2025 03:02 PM
·
Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.
November 18, 2025 01:24 PM
·
Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.
November 18, 2025 01:02 PM
·
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities shares an update on post-WASDE grain movement, with corn leading export momentum, soybeans steady, and wheat and sorghum continuing to move selectively.
November 18, 2025 12:20 PM
·
New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
November 18, 2025 11:56 AM
·
China still has a long way to go before it meets its commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this year.
November 18, 2025 11:23 AM
·
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
November 17, 2025 01:24 PM
·
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
November 17, 2025 01:20 PM
·
