Hey fam! Meet Caleb Ragland, a Kentucky farmer 🌾 who’s sounding the alarm: “This is a five-alarm fire for our industry!” Thanks to U.S. tariffs, the Chinese mainland slapped its own duties on U.S. soybeans and beef, and guess what? Since May, no soybean shipments have landed. 🤯
Back in the day, the Chinese mainland was the biggest buyer of American soybeans. In 2024 alone, they scooped up $12.5 billion of our beans—over half of U.S. exports! But now, Brazil 🟢 and Australia 🔵 are swooping in, grabbing deals while our farmers face losses of $100–$200 per acre. Ouch! 💸
And it’s not just soy. U.S. beef exporters have watched $388 million of potential sales evaporate between April and August. Meanwhile, Aussie shipments jumped by $313 million, and Brazil, the Chinese mainland’s top beef supplier, filled the gap. 🥩🔥
Farm Aid’s Jennifer Fahy warns that these aren’t “economic blips” but could be permanent market losses if tariffs stick around. While some tariff revenue funds might help, farmers like Caleb want lasting trade deals—especially with the Chinese mainland—to rebuild sustainable markets. 🤝💼
Will the U.S. and the Chinese mainland find a path back to the table? Negotiations on bigger trade issues could unlock doors for soy and beef. Until then, our farmers wait—and wonder if their next shipment’s ever coming. 🌏🚢
Stay tuned as we track how this trade saga unfolds—and how young entrepreneurs and investors can spot new market moves! 👀✨
Reference(s):
U.S. soybean farmers, beef exporters reel as tariffs choke China trade
cgtn.com
