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
Industry leaders say labor shortages and visa caps are putting pressure on the future of domestic shrimping.
Economists say geopolitical headlines and concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are driving volatility
A bipartisan Senate delegation recently traveled to China ahead of President Trump’s meeting in Beijing.
Reports say cattle industry groups raised concerns over a proposal that could increase beef imports.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
Evan Keppy, a member of Iowa’s North Scott FFA Chapter, shares how the National FFA Organization helped shape his leadership skills.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joins us to provide an updated analysis of projected ARC and PLC payments and potential delays due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.
Beef demand could be influencing other economic sectors, as consumers adjust spending habits to prioritize higher-priced beef products.