Arkansas Soybean Farmers Reeling from New Tariffs

Jul 08, 2025

By Jeff Ferrell and Daniel Breen

Soybean exports have fallen by roughly half from January to April of this year according to industry leaders.

In Arkansas, officials confirm soybean exports to China have fallen to their lowest level since 2020, blamed on new U.S. tariffs. Soybean exports have fallen by roughly half from January to April of this year according to industry leaders.
In a panel discussion on tariffs in Arkansas this week, As Little Rock Public Radio reports, Arkansas farmer and Republican State Senator Blake Johnson criticized the tariffs. “Between 20 and 30% of the producers in the United States will be out if this don’t change between now and December.” Johnson criticized the tariffs, but not the president, and said he’s counting on proposed lower income tax rates to help make up for losses.

The nonprofit agency known as Farmers for Free Trade, held that panel discussion on Tuesday in North Little Rock as part of its national tour of panels. According to a report conducted by the group, tariffs on imports into Arkansas grew by 155% or $27 million, over the past year, as well.

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