Where does the ag industry stand as Trump’s trade policy takes effect tomorrow?

It could be a big week for the markets, with tariffs on the horizon. President Trump’s plan takes effect tomorrow after several delays along the way.

More than a dozen trade partners are set to get hit with reciprocal tariffs this week, and that includes Canada, Mexico, and China, which made up nearly 90 percent of U.S. imports last year.

Retaliation has already started in places like Canada, and some officials are urging Canadians to cut off American suppliers. Former USDA Undersecretary for Trade, Alexis Taylor, says longstanding trade relationships are on the line.

“We are hearing it from some of our members when they are talking to their buyers, say in Canada. Obviously, we all hear about what’s going on in Canada and the mood, some of it just anger that they’re feeling toward the United States right now—their move as consumers to not buy American, to look for different suppliers.”

Others believe tariffs will work in our favor, however. Speaking from the Oval Office earlier this month, President Trump’s Economic team said they just want trade to be fair. Other lawmakers believe tariffs are a useful tool. North Carolina Representative Ted Budd says other countries have been taking advantage of us for years and is urging the government to take quick action.

Related Stories
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.