A Kentucky soybean farmer, Caleb Ragland, and president of the American Soybean Association, is sounding the alarm. As one of the 500,000 U.S. soybean growers, he shared his heartfelt plea with U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to make a deal with the Chinese mainland now.
Ragland explained that his family's entire income — along with the livelihoods of his three full-time workers — hangs in the balance as tariffs hit American agriculture hard. He warned, "The longer the stalemate continues, the likelier the Chinese mainland is to take its business elsewhere, like Brazil," signaling a crisis that could affect countless American farmers. 🚜💔
Recent moves by Trump to ratchet up tariffs on the Chinese mainland, even as he initiates a pause on reciprocal tariffs from other nations, have deepened the uncertainty. Many in key farming states fear that prolonged tensions may cut the U.S. off from its largest export market, leaving local economies in peril.
Adding to the concerns, Kenneth Hartman Jr., president of the National Corn Growers Association, warned that delays in resolving the trade dispute may jeopardize reliable markets for American corn, further endangering the economic stability of red states that played a role in Trump’s electoral victory. 🌽⚠️
Moreover, reports indicate that Chinese soybean crushers are snapping up large shipments from Brazil—an indication that global market shifts are already underway. With billions of bushels at risk, the call for a swift resolution grows louder, as American farmers face a high-stakes battle to secure their livelihoods.
This unfolding drama is not just about numbers and tariffs; it’s a real-life struggle impacting families and communities across the nation. Stay tuned as this story continues to develop, highlighting the intersection of global trade and everyday life!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
