Trade Uncertainty Grows as SCOTUS Delays Tariff Ruling, Trump Calls USMCA ‘Irrelevant’

RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The Supreme Court announced it will not issue a decision today on President Donald Trump’s tariffs-based trade strategy, leaving uncertainty around the future of the policy. Legal experts say the Court could still rule at a later date, with outcomes ranging from full approval to a complete strike-down, or something in between. The Court has not announced the next possible opinion date.

Meanwhile, President Trump is also raising new questions about the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Speaking while touring a Ford vehicle factory in Michigan, the President called the USMCA “irrelevant,” largely due to his use of tariffs. He said the agreement provides no advantage to the United States and claimed Canada benefits far more from the deal.

Those comments come as the trade agreement is set for review this summer. The USMCA was renegotiated during President Trump’s first term. Leaders at Ford told Reuters the company relies on the agreement and called it critical to their operations, though they also said revisions are needed. Several agricultural groups have publicly called for the USMCA to be renewed.

Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the president’s remarks could impact the outlook for the upcoming USMCA review.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Haney explained how strong language could influence trade negotiations and what the comments could signal in terms of timing. He also discussed the potential reaction from farm groups in both the United States and Canada as uncertainty builds around the agreement.

Related Stories
National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said farmers face a challenging year with strong supply, murky trade conditions, and uncertain access to their largest market: China.
U.S. trade talks with China resume, but meat industry leaders say dealing with shifting demand and market uncertainty is nothing new in this side of the ag sector.
Tariffs are pushing up input costs, with fertilizer prices rising $100 per ton and machinery costs climbing due to steel and parts duties.
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
Harvested acres are estimated at 90.0 million, making this year’s corn crop one of the largest since the 1930s.
China has been largely absent from U.S. markets lately, but not when it comes to cotton. It’s a buy that, traders say, isn’t surprising given China’s limitations.
U.S. producers are holding off on equipment investments amid financial pressure, market uncertainty, a rising demand for diesel, and growing desperation for trade wins.
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.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Longtime MLF pro angler Fred “Boom Boom” Roumbanis shares how he and Jeff Sprague of Team YETI are preparing for the Team Series Summit Cup.
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
China’s cost advantage with Brazilian soybeans and vague public messaging leave U.S. export prospects uncertain heading into winter.
Expanded aerial capacity strengthens the U.S.–Mexico buffer against screwworm, providing cattle producers with stronger protection heading into winter and reducing risk to herds along the southern tier.
AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.