The latest tariff delay includes items covered under the USMCA. However, tariffs could be on the way for other goods coming out of Canada.
President Trump is looking at Canadian dairy and lumber imports. He told reporters in the Oval Office that Canada has a tremendously high tariff, making it impossible for U.S. to sell lumber or dairy there. Dairy groups have argued for years that there are too many trade barriers for accessing Canadian markets.
Lumber has also been at the center of debate, with the U.S. accusing Canadians of benefitting from subsidies from federal and local governments.
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While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.
Pressure on grain storage capacity and stronger export positioning are pushing more grain onto railroads, highways, and river systems as logistics become a key bottleneck this fall.
The Cotton-4 are pushing hard for new value chain investments. Still, many U.S. cotton producers face unsustainable losses, and weakened regional textile capacity threatens the survival of the Carolina “dirt-to-shirt” supply chain.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.