Sec. Rollins on Matching Countries’ Tariffs on Exports: It just makes sense

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins is currently testifying before the House Agriculture Committee. She is fielding questions on trade, animal health, and the MAHA report.

When asked about what the U.S. can do to expand market access by Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra, she said matching other countries’ tariffs on exports just makes sense.

“I have been really surprised, but in the best way, at how excited these countries are for us to be on the ground, how they understand that the 15 percent average tariff put on our American agriculture products versus the average 5 percent that we put on their products. They understand that it is not sustainable, that they’ve got to do better at putting our American products forward. As I mentioned, Italy imports $75 billion in ag products every year, only $1.7 billion of that is from America. This is one of our best partners, more aligned with our values than any other country.”

Related Stories
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.
Higher biofuel mandates boost long-term crop demand, but a tighter D4 market may pressure biofuel feedstocks and pose new soybean oil demand risks.
According to a tweet from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the full House vote on the Farm Bill will be held until lawmakers return from recess.
Roger McEowen joins us to explain the USDA appeals process and how farmers should navigate adverse decisions and crop insurance disputes.
EPA’s approval gives citrus growers a new disease-fighting tool against greening at a time when production losses remain severe.
The House is moving forward with debate on the Farm Bill after a lengthy session in the House Rules Committee cleared the legislation for floor consideration.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

With the Farm Bill now in the Senate’s hands, industry groups say the stakes are high—and timely action could be critical for producers navigating a difficult economic environment.
Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.
Paul Neiffer joined us to explain how USDA’s base acre expansion will be calculated, outline key deadlines for farmers, and discuss how the changes tie into farm program decisions and the broader Farm Bill outlook.
Chad Fiechter joins us to discuss Purdue’s precision ag study, challenges in capturing value from technology, and what farmers should consider when investing in and adopting these tools.