Uncharted Tariff Territory: The magnitude of these tariffs are different, according to a lawyer

Each new president has bold plans for the office, and President Trump is making his stance known for trade. The National Ag Law Center says some administrations require more adjustment than others for farmers and ranchers.

“Some for ag are more pronounced than others, but during the last three or four administrations, agriculture will have been right in the middle of a lot here. The scope of the tariffs, the tariff talk, the tariffs that have been implemented, and the retaliatory tariffs. Tariffs aren’t new, but perhaps at this scope, this breath, this order of magnitude, that feels different at least, and the retaliatory tariffs feel quite different.”

Pittman calls the situation “uncharted territory,” pointing to how the President wants to use tariffs to pay for tax cuts. Despite the uncertainty, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins backs Trump’s methods.

“I support him 100 percent. Certainly there’s going to be some concern and question, which makes sense, but at the end of the day, this fight for a better America, to Make America Great Again, to bring our jobs back to America, to produce within our country’s borders, is really important.”

Just this week, Rollins met with her Mexican counterpart to talk trade and the importance of a good relationship. She says they talked about the trade imbalance and the need for Mexico to take more American products. She says Mexico assures her there is no intention to block trade.

Related Stories
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains shifting global trade dynamics and what they could mean for agriculture and energy markets.
Rising diesel and energy costs are squeezing farmers and rural communities, increasing production expenses and raising concerns about consumer demand for beef even as U.S. meat exports regain the Australian market.
Rising input costs may squeeze margins and shift planting decisions. Scott Metzger with the American Soybean Association discusses fertilizer market pressures and what is at stake for farmers as planting season ramps up.
Texas ranchers and lawmakers warn of renewed New World screwworm risks, highlighting prevention efforts, border concerns, and the role of sterile flies in protecting U.S. livestock.
Shaun Haney with Real Ag Radio joined us to break down the USMCA review and what Canadian producers and exporters should be watching in the months ahead.
Fertilizer relief may be limited despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz this week. AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses marketing strategies, crop insurance considerations, and other tips for producers navigating volatility this planting season.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.
Oklahoma livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel helps us break down the April Cattle-on-Feed report and what it signals for herd rebuilding, supplies and prices moving forward.
Tariff refunds are underway, potentially returning billions to importers, as agriculture groups push for a larger role in trade policy and investigations.
Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy joined us to discuss diesel price volatility and what farmers can expect as geopolitical tensions continue to impact energy markets.
Farm programs remain small but politically easier to expand.
Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council joined us to recap producer meetings in Washington and discuss key policy priorities including Prop 12 and agricultural labor.