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.
In a candid conversation with Farm Journal, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says USDA’s message to fertilizer companies is simple: “Be part of the solution, don’t be part of the problem.”
As the Iran war drives fertilizer prices up 40%, the Trump administration is warning against price gouging. A new survey shows only 60% of corn farmers have secured their nitrogen needs for 2026.
In a major decision, the Supreme Court rules President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs using national emergency laws.
The U.S. and Argentina have finalized a trade agreement that modifies tariff rates, sets a cheese quota and addresses regulatory requirements for certain U.S. dairy exports.
The proclamation authorizes an 80,000 metric ton increase in in-quota lean beef trimmings imports in 2026. Economists say retail beef prices are unlikely to drop without impacting producers.
The court issued more rulings Wednesday but did not act in the tariffs case, which was argued on Nov. 5.
Beijing’s new duties on EU dairy, a response to EV tariffs, create turbulent waters for European exporters while opening potential, albeit limited, market opportunities for U.S. dairy amid a broader push for global diversification.
RaboResearch senior dairy analyst Lucas Fuess says booming milk output in the U.S. and other major exporters is tipping markets into oversupply — and signaling tougher price terrain heading into early 2026.
The change reverses part of a July trade action that had imposed elevated import duties on multiple categories of Brazilian goods and is the latest effort by the Trump administration to bring grocery prices down.
The White House says China will buy 12 MMT of U.S. soybeans in late 2025 and 25 MMT annually through 2028, plus resume U.S. sorghum and hardwood log imports, clearing confusion over comments from Secretary Bessent.
National Milk Producers Federation President Gregg Doud discusses record U.S. dairy processing investments, surging global protein demand, policy hurdles like labor and immigration reform, and what’s ahead for dairy trade with China.
Through production is increasing, milk prices might be softening.
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 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.
As we brace for the unknown, competition may force innovation and adaptation, ultimately resulting in long-term resilience and growth.
The global dairy industry’s resilience, adaptability and strategic foresight suggest a promising path forward for the U.S. dairy industry.
China is one of the biggest importers of American breeding pigs and other livestock genetic material such as cattle semen. These lucrative niche export markets had been growing, but have dried up since the start of the U.S.-China trade war.
Global demand for U.S. cheese is accelerating, driven by expanding international markets and evolving consumer tastes. At the same time, trade negotiations and tariff policies remain key factors shaping the future of dairy exports.
Class III milk futures surged early this month, driven by rising cheese prices and a shift in market sentiment that replaced discounts with a seasonal premium.
Damage from U.S.-China trade war extends far beyond sales.
A pair of Canadians in farming weigh in on the country’s latest election results and the implications for agriculture sectors like the dairy industry and farm equipment manufacturing.
As history has shown, more farmers hit the auction circuit during a down cycle in the farm economy. See what equipment is drawing strong prices.
Before the White House’s 90-day pause on higher tariffs for other countries expires on July 9, India is one country rushing to negotiate a trade deal with the U.S.
Recent policy shifts have clouded the outlook for the months ahead, introducing demand uncertainty at a time when milk production and components are increasing.
Tariffs have been dominating the news, and the uncertainty of the impact of those tariffs on dairy export demand. The strong exports of butterfat and the difference between the world price and the U.S. price may minimize the impact for that category.
China’s rapid growth in milk production appears to be over for now.
While markets responded positively to yesterday’s news of delays, continued pressure on China leaves the future of dairy prices up in the air.