Wisconsin Soybean Farmers Hit Hard by New U.S. Tariffs

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Soybean Association has expressed deep concern over President Trump's recent tariffs, which they believe pose a significant threat to the state's farm economy.

The association, a non-partisan organization, argues that these tariffs, imposed after declaring the U.S. trade deficit a national emergency, will negatively impact soybean farmers already facing economic hardship.

“Our soybean farmers are already struggling. Crop prices are down over 40% over the past two years, and the president’s decision is already negatively impacting our producers,” said Doug Rebout, president of the Wisconsin Soybean Association. “Wisconsin’s ag economy, our local economy and to a larger extent, our entire state’s economy thrives thanks to our relationships with international trade partners.”

Wisconsin farmers contribute approximately $1.3 billion annually through soybean production, with a significant portion exported to China, Canada, and Mexico.

The state's total agricultural and food exports, reaching nearly $4 billion, support various sectors, including dairy and meat.

The association highlights the potential for substantial losses, drawing parallels to the 2018-2019 trade war with China, which resulted in over $27 billion in agricultural losses, with soybeans accounting for 71%.

The long-term reputational damage to U.S. soybean farmers, who have cultivated these markets over decades, is also a concern.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is urging the administration to prioritize agreements with key trading partners to mitigate the impact of reciprocal tariffs. They also advocate for a Phase Two agreement with China to address trade concerns and prevent a prolonged trade war.

"We’ve seen that trade wars only do long-lasting damage to those relationships, and we are engaged with the administration to continue negotiations on these tariff policies," said Wisconsin farmer Tanner Johnson, an ASA Executive Committee member. He stressed the uncertainty and stress these tariffs create for farmers, particularly during planting season.

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