AFBF: Rural America Bears Brunt of Retaliatory Measures

AFBF: Rural America Bears Brunt of Retaliatory Measures

Haylie Shipp
Haylie Shipp
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall is voicing concerns over potential harm to U.S. farmers following President Trump’s recent order imposing tariffs on the nation's three largest agricultural markets by export value. The administration declared an economic emergency that imposes a 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico, except in limited cases, and a 10% tariff on all imports from China. Both Canada and Mexico announced retaliatory measures.

Duvall noted that while Farm Bureau members support the goals of security and fair trade, farmers and rural communities are expected to bear the brunt of the retaliation, impacting the wider rural economy. He warned that tariffs on key inputs, such as potash—of which over 80% is imported from Canada—will exacerbate financial pressures on farm families already struggling with inflation and high supply costs.

He goes on to tell that, with more than 20% of U.S. farm income derived from exports, the tariffs and ensuing uncertainty, arriving just as spring planting begins and operating loans are secured, threaten the livelihoods of American farmers.

Previous ReportAlabama Launches "Thank a Farmer" Campaign
Next ReportFlorida Farm Bill Introduced