WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The Supreme Court sounded wary of using the emergency-powers law (IEEPA) to levy broad tariffs, pressing whether Congress ever authorized the White House to tax imports at scale.
Reports from the chamber on Wednesday described bipartisan skepticism and repeated references to Congressional tariff authority, alongside questions about potential refunds of roughly $90 billion already collected. A ruling could narrow or reshape unilateral tariff tools used since 2025.
In agriculture, the case intersects with the administration’s leverage strategy: tariffs have been wielded to push partners to the bargaining table—from China’s Phase One purchases to current high-stakes talks with Brazil and India. Analysts note that while tariffs can force negotiations, they also invite retaliation and raise costs on steel, equipment, chemicals, and other farm inputs. If the Court curbs IEEPA tariffs, the White House may still reach for other trade statutes, but the scope and speed could change.
Near-term, growers face policy uncertainty as markets handicap outcomes and partners watch for signals. Negotiations with India continue amid steep U.S. duties; Brazil talks are active as tariffs ripple through beef and other flows; and China remains a touchstone for how tariff pressure translates into concessions. The decision, expected in 2026, will shape input costs, export access, and the playbook for future trade deals.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
USDA and EPA officials aim to maintain America’s robust food supply while ensuring farmers have access to key resources and crop protection tools.
September 30, 2025 12:13 PM
·
The Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution that had been approved by the House the previous week. They could take it up again today, but it would take seven democrats to end the stalemate.
September 30, 2025 11:26 AM
·
Livestock and government payments provide a boost, but crop receipts and rising expenses keep pressure on margins. Strong financial planning remains key in a volatile environment.
September 30, 2025 10:45 AM
·
The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.
September 29, 2025 06:00 PM
·
We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
September 29, 2025 03:30 PM
·
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.
September 29, 2025 02:14 PM
·
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert, Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us Monday to break down the changes and explain what producers should know.
September 29, 2025 01:57 PM
·
North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us Monday to share his perspective on the America First Trade Promotion Program and potential implications for producers.
September 29, 2025 01:38 PM
·
A booming butterfat market is good for some dairy products but threatens efficiency and margins for cheesemakers unless protein levels catch up
September 29, 2025 12:53 PM
·
