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
Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.
Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge highlights why the U.S. trade standoff with China is especially critical for Arkansas producers.
President Donald Trump says a deal is nearly done on lowering beef prices, but he has not released details.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Despite China’s sharp drop in grain purchases this year, new USDA export data this week shows that even some buying activity from the trade giant still moves the markets.
Tim and Sharyn Abbott of the Music City Celebration Sale recap the weekend’s premier auction, which drew top dairy breeders and buyers to Nashville again this year from across North America.
The bill to once again allow schools to offer whole milk and 2% milk will now go to President Trump for approval.
Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.