With the Trump Administration now in full swing, the ag industry is closely watching how policies will evolve under this new leadership.
Specialty crop growers are monitoring potential trade impacts out of the White House. The President of Pear Bureau Northwest stresses the importance of ag groups staying proactive, urging them to advocate for the industry’s unique needs, particularly regarding trade.
“This country needs it just as much as others do too. Yeah, I think our only chance is being in front of it. We cannot wait. I think it has to happen now. And certainly, there are lots of organizations that are already ringing those bells, so I hope that that just continues,” said CarrieAnn Arias.
Arias stressed that trade is essential for both the U.S. and its biggest trading partners, as they rely on U.S. food exports.
This all comes as tariff talks are heating up in the new White House. In discussions with reporters, President Trump said he wants to put tariffs on the EU, as well as a 10 percent punitive duty on Chinese imports. This is in addition to a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico. The Administration hopes to have these in place by the start of February.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
