The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says it is time for tougher action on global trade. As President Trump pushes a renewed tariff strategy, NCBA is signaling support, saying cattle producers face barriers that require immediate pressure on foreign partners.
NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs says the group is not historically in favor of tariffs, but sees them as a necessary tool in the current environment.
“And, while we are not, you know, historic fans of tariffs, we have to realize the situation we’re in. You know, time is not really a luxury that we can afford, and we need to bring these trade partners to the table as quickly as possible. So this is not just about opening new markets or trying to get some of those deals, which we do support. This is about holding trade partners accountable for a lot of the non-tariff barriers that they’ve applied, all the other restrictions, and for them, not, you know, really living up to the terms of the deals they’ve made with the United States,” said Kent Bacus.
With trade relationships shifting around the world, Bacus says it is a good time for the U.S. to ask some tough questions.
“Are we having, you know, equal access? Is there a level playing field? We know that the U.S. is going to consume more than other countries, but what kind of access do we have, and can we improve that?”
According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, red meat exports to China have slowed significantly due to retaliatory tariffs, now at 172 percent for pork and 147 percent for beef. The group estimates potential losses at a billion dollars a year for pork and $4 billion for beef. USMEF says China has not renewed export approvals for hundreds of U.S. processing facilities.
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
October 31, 2025 12:50 PM
·
Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
October 31, 2025 12:26 PM
·
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
October 30, 2025 03:25 PM
·
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
October 30, 2025 02:30 PM
·
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
October 30, 2025 02:20 PM
·
RFD-TV tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the renewed tax provision and how cattle producers can take advantage of it to recover investments in heifer retention and herd expansion more quickly.
October 30, 2025 01:23 PM
·
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
October 30, 2025 12:04 PM
·
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
October 30, 2025 10:37 AM
·
