The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Tariffs Are Impacting U.S. Farmers
Mar 20, 2025
Kirk Siegler, NPR's national correspondent, reports directly from the heart of farm country, shedding light on the turbulence U.S. farmers face due to tariffs. He shares how North Dakota farmers grapple with low crop prices and the looming threat of trade wars as planting season approaches. Siegler discusses the impact on the soybean market, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and the complexities of navigating trade relationships with Canada and Mexico. His insights reveal the delicate balance between short-term challenges and long-term goals for American agriculture.
15:16
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Quick takeaways
- U.S. farmers are facing severe challenges due to tariffs, impacting commodity prices and increasing operational costs ahead of planting season.
- The evolving nature of trade policies creates uncertainty in the agricultural sector, complicating recovery efforts and potentially overhauling the industry.
Deep dives
Impact of Tariffs on Farmers
Farmers are facing significant challenges as the tariffs implemented by the Trump administration create uncertainty in the agricultural sector. Specifically, commodity crop prices are low while input costs, such as fertilizer, remain high, leaving farmers anxious as they approach the spring planting season. This is especially true in North Dakota, where a majority of soybean exports are directed towards China, a market that is now unpredictable due to the ongoing trade tensions. As a result, farmers are grappling with the dual pressures of decreasing sales prices and increasing operational costs, making it difficult for them to plan effectively for the upcoming growing season.
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