Exports are literally the life blood of U.S. agriculture, so it is not surprising that reaction to President Trump’s trade tariff actions this week from agricultural groups has been largely negative and fearful that it will lead to retaliation.

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and CEO Tom Sleight says they are dismayed by the tariffs against China announced yesterday by the Trump Administration. “For every action there’s an opposite and equal reaction,” said Sleight. “Agriculture is usually at the front of the line when it comes to retaliatory action.”

Thanks to Tony St. James, All Ag Radio Network, for these comments from Sleight:
USGC CEO Tom Sleight comments on China tariffs

“We know that China is a bad actor, there’s no doubt about that, but we have to be very thoughtful when it comes to trade policy,” said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) in an interview yesterday. “Just by knee-jerk reaction with any sort of tariffs could create problems for our agricultural industry.”
Sen. Ernst comments on China tariffs

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, commented on the potential harm tariffs could cause for farmers and ranchers during the Agri-Pulse policy summit on Wednesday. “Agriculture producers are understandably concerned about trade and the effects of recent actions taken by the administration,” said Roberts. “China is one of the United States’ top agriculture markets and damage to that market in any form will likely result in a significant harm to the U.S. agricultural economy.”

More audio to come – stay tuned!