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.
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.
Allison Thompson with The Money Farm says corn and HRW wheat extended gains for a second day in what looked to be end of the month short covering by the funds.
Craig Turner, grain and oilseed analyst with StoneX says its the last trading day of the month and corn, soybeans and wheat are all poised to have bearish monthly lower closes.
Kevin Duling, KD Investors, says corn is trying to bounce Wednesday off of new contract lows scored in old crop futures and wheat is also trying to recover after new lows on Tuesday.