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Grain, Dairy Markets Worried About Trade War

Dan Corn, Dairy & Livestock, Industry News Release

Analysts are saying that President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports could be hard on farmers.

dairyFarm Journal’s Ag Web Dot Com points out that, while Trump hasn’t officially imposed the tariffs, the decision doesn’t 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 that there is a real possibility this could invite retaliation against agriculture in the U.S., adding that “the consequences are all too real.”

Shawn Haney of Real Agriculture Dot Com says America’s partners in the North American Free Trade Agreement 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 the president follows through on his threat to implement the tariffs, it would be because of national security concerns. That’s something that Canada takes offense to.

“It’s entirely inappropriate to view Canada as a national security threat to the United States,” says Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

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.

From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.