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
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares insight into what these new accounts, established in provisions of the Big, Beautiful Bill, could mean for the farm families.
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
While the U.S.-China framework for soybean trade is in place, Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs tells us he will believe it when he sees it.
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
Host of RealAg Radio Shaun Haney discusses how the proposed reductions to agriculture programs in Canada’s new budget could affect research and support programs that farmers need.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel joins FFA Today to share her story and excitement to connect with FFA members nationwide.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg outlines the Farm Bridge Assistance Program and responds to calls from lawmakers and ag leaders for more assistance and expanded trade opportunities for farmers.
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.