The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series A Dark Future for American Agriculture || Peter Zeihan
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Oct 13, 2025 U.S. agriculture faces a looming crisis due to aggressive tariffs, pushing international buyers away. Exports to China have plummeted, with beef and soy purchases nosediving over 90%. Producers must brace for a future where Chinese demand fades amid demographic shifts. Domestic consumption is constrained by a shrinking population, leading to spiraling farm incomes. Limited federal support and administrative challenges further exacerbate the situation, threatening the livelihood of farmers against a backdrop of global competition.
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Tariffs Have Severed Export Relationships
- Peter Zeihan warns that Trump-era tariffs have pushed many countries to avoid buying U.S. agricultural products whenever possible.
- This shift has already collapsed major purchases like Chinese beef and soy and risks long-term market loss.
China Has Dropped U.S. Soy And Beef
- Zeihan notes Chinese purchases of U.S. beef and soy have plunged, with soy purchases effectively at zero this year.
- He adds Brazil and Argentina's strong production means China likely won't buy those U.S. commodities this calendar year.
Prepare For A World Without China Buyers
- Zeihan urges producers to plan for a future where China buys none of their products due to long-term demographic collapse.
- He says relying on China as a market is a business plan that could 'literally' cause farmers to lose everything.