White House Releases US-EU Trade Framework Update with Focus on Agriculture and Market Access The White House has released an updated version of the U.S.–EU Trade Framework, which includes key commitments to improving agricultural trade. These changes are seen as a step forward for U.S. pork, bison, and beef exporters, as the European Union (EU) agrees to reduce non-tariff trade …
President Trump Signs Executive Order Extending Tariff Deadline on Chinese Imports
On Monday, President Donald Trump signed a new executive order extending the deadline for imposing higher tariffs on Chinese imports until November 10. This move is the latest in an ongoing series of negotiations between the U.S. and China to resolve long-standing trade imbalances and address national security concerns. Earlier this year, the two nations ended a years-long tariff tit-for-tat …
U.S. Agricultural Trade Deficit Reaches Record High in 2025
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit hit an all-time high in the first half of 2025, marking a significant and historic shift in America’s farm export dominance. For decades, the U.S. agricultural sector maintained a strong global position, consistently posting trade surpluses. But new data show that trend has reversed sharply in recent years. According to Bloomberg, “that only highlights American …
Uncertainty Hits Agribusiness Profits
Crop Traders and Ag Equipment Manufacturers Hit Hard by Biofuel Policy Uncertainty and Trade Tensions Major crop trading companies and agricultural equipment manufacturers are reporting multi-year lows in second-quarter profits, driven by persistent uncertainty around U.S. biofuel policy and intensifying global trade tensions. The financial pressure is being felt across the ag sector, with companies like ADM, Bunge, Cargill, AGCO …
White House Warned of Fertilizer Crisis Impacting U.S. Farmers
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has issued a stark warning to the White House, highlighting the growing economic crisis facing corn producers across the country. In a formal letter, the NCGA detailed how rising fertilizer prices, compounded by low corn prices and trade uncertainty, are creating a dangerous situation for rural America. The letter states: “Unfortunately, the combination of …
Commodity Market Update: Precious Metals Surge While Orange Juice Plummets
With seven months of trade now in the books, we review our list of 48 commodities and their performance since New Year’s. Precious metals, far and away, are leading the list, marking a strong 2025 performance so far. Traders and analysts alike are watching trends closely as metals soar, livestock rises, and trade tensions weigh on grains. Top Commodity Performers …
Cattle Industry Reaction to USTR 301 Investigation of Brazil
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair trade practices, with a sharp focus on agricultural products—especially beef. Southeast AgNet’s Dale Sandlin sat down with Kent Backus, Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), to discuss the implications for the U.S. cattle industry and the broader …
Trump Administration Releases Info on Latest Trade Agreements
U.S. Advances Trade Relations with Europe, Japan, and Indonesia The Trump administration recently unveiled several international trade agreements, featuring notable developments for the U.S. agricultural sector. These deals—finalized with the European Union, Japan, and Indonesia—aim to bolster American exports, reduce trade deficits, and eliminate long-standing tariff and non-tariff barriers. Each agreement is strategically designed to create expanded market access for …
Breaking Down Trade Deal Implications on Livestock Sector
As global trade negotiations intensify, recent developments have stirred optimism across the U.S. livestock industry. Kent Backus, Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), shared insights into how emerging trade deals and impending tariff deadlines could reshape market access for American beef producers. Rising Pressure Ahead of August 1 Tariff Deadline According to Backus, a …
Deeper Dive on Australia Opening Market to US Beef
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for American Beef Producers Following last week’s landmark announcement that Australia will finally open its market to U.S. beef imports, Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), offered key insights into the development. This decision marks the resolution of a trade issue that has lingered for two decades, despite a …