Tariffs
Tariffs, also known as taxes on imported goods, are a tool used by President Donald Trump as part of his overall economic vision. As U.S. agriculture navigates tariffs and their implications on trade, commodity prices, input costs and more, ag economists and farmers remain divided on the effectiveness of tariffs and what the changes mean for the broader economy and livelihoods.
A new trade rule that went into effect Aug. 18 is already restricting the flow of steel-based farm equipment into the U.S. from manufacturers and dealers based north of the border. Here is one Oklahoma farmer’s doozy of a tale.
China, the world’s largest soybean buyer,is turning to Brazilian cargies amid trade tensions with the U.S. and ongoing negotiations.
Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist with StoneX, Inc., says soybeans led the rally with nearly 24-cent gains in November on hopes for China export business. But the market may have gotten ahead of itself.
President Trump is urging China to buy more U.S. soybeans as they face a shortage, but analysts say quadrupling soybean orders is ‘highly unlikely.’
NCGA’s Krista Swanson says it would take about 226 bu. of corn to buy a ton of ammonium phosphate, which is up from the 180 bu. it took at the beginning of this year. As fertilizer costs are on the rise, corn prices are now at or below $4, and it’s creating a grim outlook for 2026.
President Trump is poised to impose some of the highest tariffs among trading partners on Brazil.
If tariffs prove inefficient, a positive EPA result — or even an executive order — will do.
It’s yet to be seen which countries will retaliate to the announced July 31 tariff increases, but the tariffs in place since April are generating revenue for the U.S.
Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing says grain markets were lower on Friday and for the week with pressure coming from non-threatening weather, big yield ideas as well as trade concerns tied to tariffs.
Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek says live and feeder cattle futures are trying to recover after an ugly day Thursday that ended with bearish reversals. Grains are mixed on favorable weather and tariff news.