Farmers for Free Trade statement on tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China

Today, Bob Hemesath, Iowa farmer and Board Chairman of Farmers for Free Trade, the nation's leading ag trade advocacy organization, released the following statement on tariffs announced on America's largest ag export markets.

“Canada, Mexico and China together buy half of all American ag exports. They are indispensable markets for the livelihood of the American ag economy. Placing tariffs on the three largest export markets for American farmers and ranchers, particularly for an extended period of time, would have severe consequences.

“American farmers are already struggling. Record-high input costs, declining crop prices, and global supply gluts have created an environment where many farmers are operating at a loss. Adding tariffs to the mix would only exacerbate the situation across much of rural America.

“As we are already seeing farmers will bear the heaviest burdens from retaliation and will now be an immediate target for steep reciprocal tariffs. Tariffs will also put American farmers at a disadvantage to competitors in South America and other parts of the world who view tariff escalations as an open door to taking our market share.

“Mexico and Canada have been partners in trade agreements that have grown U.S. ag exports to those countries by nearly 300 percent over recent decades. The President delivered for farmers through USMCA, strengthening the agreement. Under tariffs, that market growth could wither away.