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
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:25 PM
·
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
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
