Soy leaders are keeping a close watch on tariff action out of the White House. China is a major buyer of U.S. soybeans, and economists warn the situation could quickly heat up.
“They dominate the global oil seed market and they import more than the rest of the world combined. And in 2018, when those Section 301 retaliatory tariffs went into place, we saw prices drop overnight by $2.00 a bushel and our market share evaporate. You know, USDA’s Economic Research Service put out a study assessing the economic damages done to us as a result of the trade. It showed $27 billion in losses for U.S. ag, and of that amount, our soybeans accounted for 71%,” said Virginia Houston.
President Trump has given both Canada and Mexico a February 1st start date for tariffs. Some ag leaders have warned the plan could backfire, while others support the move as an effort to boost U.S. trade.
Improving consumer confidence supports baseline food and fuel demand, but cautious spending limits upside potential for ag markets in 2026.
January 05, 2026 03:00 PM
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Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
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Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
January 05, 2026 10:17 AM
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The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
January 05, 2026 09:46 AM
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December 30, 2025 12:45 PM
