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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
Lawmakers have until September 30 to shore up federal spending for next year, or risk a government shutdown. The Farm Bill is also set to expire the same day.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
Bottom line: Despite all the efforts advocates make, workers are still making less money.
Harvested acres are estimated at 90.0 million, making this year’s corn crop one of the largest since the 1930s.