President Trump’s tariff policy aims to protect American agriculture

U.S. farmers’ support for President Trump’s tariffs, tied to his “America First” agenda, is divided. Some farmers, particularly in regions like Illinois, back tariffs to counter unfair trade practices, with Trump’s strong rural voter base (77.7% in 2024) reflecting political loyalty despite past trade war losses.

However, many are wary due to retaliatory tariffs from China (125% on U.S. goods), Mexico, and Canada, which threaten export markets like soybeans (48% to China) and raise input costs.

The 2018-2019 trade war cost $27 billion in agricultural exports, offset by $28 billion in bailouts, but farmers like those in the American Soybean Association fear repeated market losses to competitors like Brazil.

While tariffs aim to protect U.S. agriculture, the economic risks and uncertain aid leave farmers cautious, balancing short-term pain against long-term trade fairness.