Tariffs Take Effect: Overnight action as the White House works to level the playing field on trade

President Trump’s tariff plan is now in effect. 25 percent tariffs began overnight for both Mexico and Canada, and the existing 10 percent tariff on China was raised to 20 percent. Canadian energy is being treated differently as they are a major energy trade partner with us, and those are subject to 10 percent tariffs.

RFD-TV’s Tony St. James and Scott Shellady joined Tammi Arender to help sort it all out and how the markets are reacting.

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Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
Strong rail demand and higher fuel costs raise transportation risk even as barge and export flows stabilize.
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.

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