Trade
Former US Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer says Mexico, not Canada, will be the biggest test in USMCA talks, citing trade deficits. That’s as agriculture leaders push to protect billions in North American trade.
The question facing U.S. agriculture is whether current farm aid is a bridge through temporary hardship — or a pier toward more structural government support.
Koch Ag & Energy Solutions will invest in Jorf Fertilizers Company I, forming a 50/50 joint venture with OCP Nutricrops and expanding the companies’ phosphate fertilizer partnership in Morocco.
At the Iowa Economic Summit, former USTR Bob Lighthizer warned farmers that China’s soy and meat buying is a short-term play, urging producers to “take off the rose-colored glasses” regarding long-term export risk.
The company reversed course just over two weeks after seeking antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese glyphosate imports, while corn, soybean and wheat groups welcomed the move.
Luke Lindberg points to stronger export sales, reduced trade barriers and expanded opportunities in markets including Ghana, Australia and Vietnam.
The company says the action is needed to preserve domestic production, but major commodity groups argue the trade case will come at farmers’ expense.
Reopening of the global fertilizer supply pinch point gives optimism but many questions remain.
Commodity markets are waiting for one key answer: Does the U.S. really have a deal with China? With only a $17 billion figure and few details, traders want proof through tariffs, export sales and purchases.
Rising input costs and geopolitical tensions drive growing pessimism among ag economists, though views differ on how the industry is being reshaped, according to the latest Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor.
Trump postpones his China summit, citing ongoing Middle East tensions and the need to remain in Washington, while officials say China is supportive of rescheduling the meeting.
The letter says, "“Agricultural retailers in multiple regions are already reporting delayed spring fertilizer deliveries and growing allocation pressure as product arrival dates shift and transportation capacity tightens.”
Ambassador Julie Callahan outlines a transactional approach to global trade, targeting market access and regulatory reform
One of the two major domestic phosphate fertilizer suppliers says the duties should be dropped.
USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg points to strategic deals and surging dairy, ethanol and corn exports driving the U.S. toward an ag trade surplus
Ahead of the 2026 USMCA review, President Donald Trump is considering replacing the trilateral pact with separate deals for Canada and Mexico, a shift that could reshape North American agricultural trade.
In a major decision, the Supreme Court rules President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs using national emergency laws.
Beyond China’s political goodwill purchases and Brazil’s soybean showdown, the U.S. is eyeing a 30% surge in domestic processing. To stay resilient, farmers are advised to focus on profit margins rather than volume.
During his trip to Clive, Iowa, Trump reaffirms support for year-round E15, backing corn growers and ethanol, while announcing John Deere’s expansion of two new domestic production and distribution facilities.
Domestic importers and farmers ‘bore the tariff burden substantially, says new research from North Dakota State University.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg says the big takeaway is establishing a level playing field for U.S. producers and building opportunities from there.
After years of losses, debt is piling up and new government payments won’t fill the hole. At a breaking point, more farmers are expected to leave the business this year, some by choice, others forced out by lenders.
The December Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows the farm economy will likely stay strained into 2026. As crops face tight margins, biofuels policy — especially E15 and biomass-based diesel — could influence recovery.
Rice at $132.89 and cotton at $117.35 will receive the highest per-acre rates, but some have called payments a bandage in the midst of current farm economic crisis.
2026 will have USDA’s trade team in Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam
As he finishes up his term as American Soybean Association president, the Kentucky farmer’s key takeaway from his time in the spotlight is the importance of farmers banding together to influence policy.
With trade developments and threatened tariffs causing uncertainty, it has many asking what is the current status for domestic sourcing of fertilizer and what additional tons could be produced stateside.
Farmers weigh in on the pros and cons of federal aid programs and what they believe is needed to adopt regenerative practices in today’s environment of tight margins.