Farmers and Ranchers Will Bear the Brunt of a Global Trade War

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew released the following statement after the White House reciprocal tariff announcement.

“One thing is certain: American family farmers and ranchers will bear the brunt of this global trade war. The economic strain and uncertainty that farmers face have reached a breaking point. Without meaningful support and a commitment to fair trade policies, we will lose even more family farms, weaken rural economies, and ultimately drive up costs and limit choices for consumers at the grocery store.

“Farmers Union has always fought for fair trading relationships with other countries. We rely on stable markets and fair competition to thrive, but the administration’s actions today create instability at the expense of our family farmers.

“Policymakers must recognize that the consequences of these decisions extend far beyond the farm—our entire food system and the communities it sustains are at stake.

“Farmers Union members came together at our national convention to share their collective concerns and urge the administration and Congress to de-escalate trade tensions. Our trade policy must support the needs of family farmers and ranchers, not put them at further risk.”

President Trump announced on Wednesday a new 10% across-the-board tariff in addition to reciprocal duties that will apply to specific trade partners, including China, the European Union, India, Japan and South Korea. This is in addition to the tariffs currently in place on Mexico and Canada.

In anticipation of the announcement, NFU and 17 other agricultural organizations sent a letter to the administration on Tuesday urging a trade approach that strengthens American agriculture rather than destabilizing it.