U.S. Farmers Demand Exemptions For Canadian And Mexican Products From Tariffs

U.S. farmers find themselves once again caught in the crossfire of global trade tensions as President Donald Trump’s new tariffs prompt retaliation from China and Canada—moves that could drive up food prices and strain rural economies, Yahoo Finance reported.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reassured that “everything is on the table” and expressed optimism that the administration may provide relief for farmers. I Photo: National Chicken Council

The potential economic fallout has led to calls for tariff exemptions from the agricultural sector. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told Bloomberg News this week that “everything is on the table” and expressed optimism that the administration may provide relief for farmers.

One key concern is fertilizer, which is essential for U.S. agriculture. Canadian fertilizer, a major supply source for American farms, is now subject to tariffs.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley has urged Trump to exempt fertilizer, but so far, the administration has refused.

"American farmers and exporters are already seeing their markets evaporate and jobs destroyed as a result of Trump’s senseless trade war," said Oregon Senator Ron Wyden.

Grassley also expressed concern, warning that additional tariffs and likely retaliatory measures would take a heavy toll on rural America.

The American Farm Bureau Federation echoed this sentiment. Farmers are wary of history repeating itself.

The U.S.-China trade war of 2018–2019 caused such severe economic damage to the agricultural sector that the Trump administration was forced to provide over $20 billion in financial assistance. U.S. farmers lost an estimated $10 billion in exports to China during that period.