The NPR Politics Podcast

How Trump's Tariffs Are Impacting U.S. Farmers

33 snips
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.
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INSIGHT

Impact of Tariffs on Farmers

  • Trump's tariffs significantly impact U.S. farmers, especially commodity farmers dependent on exports.
  • Farmers face low commodity prices, high input costs (fertilizer, etc.), and trade uncertainties.
ANECDOTE

Farmer Uncertainty

  • Soybean grower Justin Sherlock expresses anxiety over Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement and its impact on farming.
  • Farmers question the plan and its on-again, off-again nature, making business decisions difficult.
INSIGHT

Export-Oriented Agriculture

  • U.S. agriculture is heavily geared towards exports due to decades of free trade.
  • Shifting to a domestic focus would require significant restructuring and time, causing concern among farmers.
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