Tariff Uncertainty Continues to Impact U.S. Agriculture

Experts warn that the ongoing tariff situation is creating uncertainty for American agriculture. Harrison Pittman, director, National Agricultural Law Center, noted that while tariffs are not new, the current scale and retaliatory responses are different. “Some administrations require a bigger shift for U.S. agriculture than others, but here, the scope of the tariffs, the tariff talk, and the tariffs that have been implemented feel quite different.”  Pittman believes the tariff conflict is far from over, with potential new trade restrictions still on the horizon. “I tend to just believe that we’re in it, we’re going to stay in it for a while.” Pittman said past tariff battles have already cost U.S. farmers market share, particularly in corn and soybeans, as competitors like Argentina and Brazil gained ground. With talk of further tariffs against the European Union, Pittman emphasized the need to watch how retaliatory measures will continue to affect American agriculture.