Minnesota lawmaker calls for relief to struggling soybean farmers
U.S. Representative and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture Angie Craig has urged President Trump to reverse his unconstitutional, country-specific “Liberation Day” tariffs, which have placed immense pressure on soybean farmers in Minnesota and across the United States.
In a letter addressed to the President, Craig and her colleagues emphasized the damage these tariffs have caused to the nation’s agricultural competitiveness. They highlighted how the administration’s trade policies have led to the loss of major soybean markets, particularly China, which previously accounted for more than half of U.S. soybean exports valued at $12.6 billion in 2024.
The lawmakers also criticized the administration’s decision to approve a $40 billion bailout to Argentina, one of the United States’ top soybean export competitors, calling it unfair and harmful to American farmers.
“Soybeans are the backbone of American agriculture, contributing over $31 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023–2024 crop year,” the letter stated. “However, retaliatory tariffs have forced China to halt all U.S. soybean purchases since May, leaving farmers vulnerable.”
Craig further pointed out that the tariff-funded cash payments announced on September 25, 2025, offer only short-term relief. She argued that the policy fails to address the deeper, long-term challenges threatening U.S. farm incomes and global trade relationships.
“Lost soybean sales are only the beginning,” the Members wrote. “This trade war threatens the entire U.S. agriculture sector.”
Craig concluded by reaffirming her support for evidence-based trade measures but urged an immediate rollback of the “Liberation Day” tariffs to restore stability to U.S. agriculture.
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