NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — A softer U.S. dollar is improving export competitiveness for American crops, offering potential price support without requiring lower farm-gate bids, according to economists with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Because most global agricultural commodities are priced in dollars, exchange rates directly affect foreign buying power. When the dollar weakens, overseas buyers can purchase more U.S. grain and fiber using their local currency, often strengthening export demand and supporting domestic prices. The opposite occurs during a strong-dollar environment, which tends to slow export movement and pressure bids.
Farm-Level Takeaway: A weaker dollar supports export demand and may strengthen crop prices.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
During 2025, currency trends shifted in agriculture’s favor. The broad U.S. dollar index fell 7.2 percent after rising the previous year, while key customer currencies strengthened, including the euro and the Mexican peso. Brazil’s real also appreciated, potentially limiting Brazil’s ability to undercut U.S. offers in global markets.
Research shows even small currency moves matter. A one-percent decline in the dollar has historically been associated with roughly a half-percent increase in the value of U.S. agricultural exports.
Benefits, however, do not appear instantly. Exchange-rate effects filter unevenly into basis and contracts depending on timing and location.
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
November 02, 2025 05:06 AM
·
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
November 01, 2025 06:54 AM
·
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) shares his outlook on the developing U.S.-China Trade agreement, and the ongoing impact of the federal government shutdown—now stretching past four weeks—on rural communities and producers.
October 31, 2025 01:35 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the Carney-Xi meeting could mean for Canadian producers.
October 31, 2025 01:29 PM
·
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
October 31, 2025 01:17 PM
·
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
October 31, 2025 12:50 PM
·
Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
October 31, 2025 12:26 PM
·
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
October 31, 2025 11:44 AM
·
Treat succession like any major crop — plan early, document clearly, and calibrate cash flow so the next generation can succeed.
October 31, 2025 11:21 AM
·
