President Trump threatens Colombia with 25% tariffs over migrant flights

There has been a big development in President Trump’s deportation plan, and it could sent ripples through the corn markets today.

Over the weekend, Colombia’s president released several flights with illegal migrants on board out of the United States. They argued migrants were not criminals, and the U.S. violated their rights.

President Trump responded with plans for 25 percent tariffs on the country, a major receiver of U.S. ag supplies, and those tariffs would increase to 50 percent after a week. However, Colombia’s president said he would accept the flights, so the tariffs have been called off.

Colombia is a major trade partner with the U.S. as they import more than a billion dollars of U.S. corn each year, making them the fourth largest export market. They are also a big provider of coffee and fresh cut flowers to the U.S.

A free trade agreement has been in place between the U.S. and Colombia since 2012, but the U.S. has the right to take action if there is a national security threat.

Related Stories
The Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World Screwworm case about 119 miles from the Texas border, near Zapata, Texas, and north and west of the Rio Grande Valley.
Beef is leading the decline as slaughter drops and supplies tighten.
Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum discusses USDA’s efforts to expand fertilizer capacity, signals for farm profitability, and AFBF’s Farm Bill expectations.
Expanded export financing could provide greater support for ag sales abroad if buyers and lenders use the additional tools.
The farm bill is still moving, but the toughest amendment fights were pushed into today’s session. ASA President Scott Metzger joins us to discuss the risks of tariff actions on soybean exports, concerns over trade policy and production costs, and the importance of Farm Bill updates.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Global food prices inched upward for the third consecutive month according to the latest FAO Food Price Index. While some Americans struggle to source their next meal, others are ordering high-priced food delivery straight to their door more than ever before.
CMA Fest is dubbed as the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience, and it lives up to it. Here is a recap of the first day of the four-day festival from RFD-TV News.