Next month’s upcoming government reports could impact the markets

Recent trade action could really begin to show up.

The ag industry and the markets are eager to get new government reports next month, and it is when recent trade action could really begin to show up.

One economist says all the tariff talk could make moves in the May WASDE, especially around exports.

“We’ve been running much lower than year-ago levels. Obviously, the increased tariff rates on U.S. port shipments to China, as well as price competition for other major exporting countries. We’ve seen some headline news that Brazil, for example, has seen some real increases in their trade by volume over the last couple of months. And so, I think as you look at all those factors, USDA made that change to some of those fundamentals that they expect to play out here in 2025,” said Lee Schulz.

On Tuesday, USDA will release the official balance sheet for the year. Schulz says he will be closely watching state-level data around the hog and pork sectors.

Related Stories
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
The U.S. trade deal with Argentina creates new export opportunities for U.S. livestock and crop producers but also raises competitive concerns.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Large Brazilian crops heighten downside price risk if the weather allows production to reach projected levels.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.