WASHINGTON — Agriculture industry leaders are reacting to U.S. tariffs placed on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese goods, as well as potential retaliatory measures.
“The tariffs announced today, along with retaliatory measures from China and Canada, will have serious consequences for American agriculture,” Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, said in a statement. “Our farmers are the backbone of this country, and they need strong, fair-trade policies that ensure they can compete on a level playing field – not be caught in the middle of international disputes.”
Twenty-five percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods went into effect at midnight Tuesday, as well as increased 20 percent tariffs on Chinese products.
In response, China announced Tuesday an additional 10 percent duty on imports of U.S. soybeans, pork, beef and sorghum, and a 15 percent on chicken, cotton, corn and wheat, according to a statement from the Agriculture Transportation Coalition.
“This situation could lead to decreased exports, lower profits, and, in the worst case, loss of market share to other international producers,” Greg Tyler, president and CEO of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, added. “It places us at an extreme disadvantage, while simultaneously escalating tensions with our major trading partners.”
Both Tyler and Larew agreed that the administration needed to put fair-trade policies into place to help the agriculture industry.
“Open markets and fair-trade practices are essential for a healthy global economy, and the tariff wars are only serving harm to those who rely on international trade to support their livelihoods,” Tyler said.
“Without a clear plan, family farmers will once again be left to bear the burden of decisions beyond their control, and eventually, so will consumers,” Larew added. “We urge the administration to work with our trading partners to prevent further harm to rural commodities.”
These markets are particularly important and vital for U.S. agricultural trade.
“In 2024, Mexico was the largest export market for U.S. broilers ($937 million), and the single most important market for turkey ($493 million),” Tyler noted. “Canada was the second largest for broilers in value ($467 million), the second largest for turkey ($20 million), and the top market for eggs and duck. China was the third largest market for broilers in value ($433 million) despite a significant decline last year. U.S. broiler exports to China reached $1.1 billion in 2022.”
In a separate move, Trump announced Monday afternoon his intention to place tariffs on what he called “external” agricultural products.
“To the Great Farmers of the United States: Get ready to start making a lot of agricultural product to be sold INSIDE of the United States,” wrote Trump on his Truth Social platform. “Tariffs will go on external product on April 2nd. Have fun!”
As of this writing, neither the president nor administration officials have shared more specific plans related to Monday’s announcement.
