It has been a busy week with big shakeups in trade policy, and a lot has taken place over the last 24 hours.
As of right now, President Trump has hit pause, taking all country-specific tariffs down to 10 percent for 90 days, but that does not include China. He raised their tariff rate to 125 percent.
Other nations are already responding to the recent adjustments. Within the last few hours, the European Union announced a pause of their own. It came after the EU voted for new tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum, which are now on the back burner.
Ag lawmakers say the tariff pause is a win for America, with Louisiana Senator John Kennedy saying he is confident the U.S. and China will soon reach a deal.
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Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.
Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
