Analysts say President Trump?s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports could be hard on farmers.
Farm Journal points out that while Trump hasn?t officially imposed the tariffs, the decision does not have the support of his entire cabinet and has raised eyebrows all over the world.
Jeff Harrison of Combest, Sell, and Associates told Agri-Talk there is a real possibility this could invite retaliation against agriculture in the United States, adding ?the consequences are all too real.? Shawn Haney of RealAgriculture says America?s partners in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will likely be hit the hardest. ?Will there be exemptions,? Haney asked. ?From what I?ve read, the president has been very firm on no exemptions.?
If President Trump follows through on his threat to implement the tariffs, it would be because of national security concerns. Canada?s Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland says, ?It?s entirely inappropriate to view Canada as a national security threat to the United States.
Edge, a dairy cooperative in Wisconsin, says a trade war will likely result in fewer dairy sales for American dairy producers, which would come at a very bad time.
