Trade
The United States’ growing agricultural trade deficit has raised political alarm bells.
On Saturday, President Trump threatened to impose 30% tariffs on Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1. The announcement came after a string of new tariff threats last week.
The Russian government ordered “necessary measures” to boost ag exports after wheat sales to start 2025-26 fell to their lowest since 2008.
Secretary Rollins takes decisive action and shuts down cattle, bison and equine trade due to further northward spread of the devastating pest in Mexico.
The thought in some ag circles is that the One Big Beautiful Bill is a farm bill prototype or laying the groundwork for its development. Farmers and Sen. John Boozman weigh in with their perspectives.
On Monday, 14 countries received letters indicating tariff increases of 25% to 40%, including Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, President Trump extended the implementation date for those tariffs to Aug. 1
Chinese exports to ASEAN countries and the European Union have jumped.
The deal, according to President Trump, allows the U.S. “total access” to Vietnam’s markets with a zero tariff on U.S. products exported to Vietnam.
Trump’s approach involves threatening written notifications to trading partners outlining new tariff rates, a tactic aimed at forcing “deals” and punishing those not negotiating in good faith.
Following a New World screwworm assessment by USDA staff in Mexico and ongoing conversations between Secretary Rollins and the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture, USDA will start reopening the ports for cattle, bison and equine.