The tariff back-and-forth is clouding the future grain markets, analysts warn

The White House tariff plan appears to be back on track for now, but CoBank warns that all this back-and-forth is clouding the future grain markets.

Analysts there say a lack of clarity around tariffs is already pulling down new crop sales, and in some cases, will be below historical averages. CoBank warns that the longer it goes on, the harder it will be for export-reliant elevators.

Ag Senator Tammy Baldwin is also weighing in. She says the events in recent weeks have caused big issues for farmers in her state.

“Export markets are in question. One of our discussions was how incredibly efficient we have become in growing things like corn and soybeans. We now, in Wisconsin and across the country, produce more than we need for on-farm use and sale in local markets, and so an increasing share goes into export markets, but that becomes a big question mark when there are uncertain tariffs threatened or imposed.”

Not all parts of the President’s tariff plan have been called into question by the courts. The added duties on cars, steel, and aluminum have been held in place since they were enacted.

Related Stories
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
Debt pressures could reshape farm policy and credit.
India trade tensions may affect the U.S. export outlook.
Tariff revenues rarely flow directly back to farmers.
Weak crop margins and tariff uncertainty are delaying machinery purchases and signaling slower capital investment across U.S. agriculture.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

How many burgers could you buy instead of a house?
After losing her sight, Missouri FarmHER Alda Owen built a life on her terms — then Sweet Baby Joe came along to take it even further.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look at how Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill changes to base acres and potential impacts on future ARC and PLC payments.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
The Nashville Ag Club meets monthly to discuss current issues and hear from inspiring agriculture-related speakers.
As the White House works to close the trade gap, patience is wearing thin for some lawmakers. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says farmers are getting backed into a corner.