Soybean growers could take a hit this year if port fees are added to Chinese-built ships, Senator Chuck Grassley warns.
“Right now, our lower shipping costs make Ag products like Iowa corn and soybeans competitive with Brazilian corn and beans. If a maximum fee were put in place, our farmers would lose their edge and cede even more market share to competitors in South America.”
Grassley says he hopes U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer takes farmer concerns seriously as they decide the next steps. Some groups say smaller ports would suffer under the deal, possibly putting the supply chain in jeopardy.
Related Stories
Plan for a cooler global trade market in 2026 with tighter margins on exports, potential rate shifts, and premiums for reliable deliveries into Asian and African growth markets.
George Baird, with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), joins us with updates on how this year’s rice harvest is shaping up.
Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, shares a snapshot of his state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers.
Market analyst Kevin Huddleston said news of trade deals could rebound cotton prices in late fall, and producers need to be ready to strike deals.
Lewis Williamson, from HTS Commodities, joined us to share insights on the farm economy from producers in the field.
