Soybean Farmers Warn U.S. Government on Trade Investigation’s Tariff Risks

May 12, 2026

By Jessica Jumaway

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is calling on U.S. government officials to exercise prudence in their approach to a new trade investigation concerning agricultural imports and exports. The ASA has expressed significant apprehension that any new trade remedies stemming from this investigation could trigger increased tariffs against U.S. soybeans by China.

Such a development would exacerbate the already considerable financial pressures faced by American soybean farmers, who are currently grappling with substantial losses due to rising input costs. Soybean exports represent the largest agricultural export from the United States, and past trade disputes have demonstrably impacted these exports to China.

To mitigate potential harm, the ASA recommends the implementation of targeted solutions and a deliberate avoidance of measures that could damage relationships with crucial trading partners. Specifically, the association advocates for the exemption of close partners such as Mexico and Canada from any future trade remedies. The ASA’s stance underscores the delicate balance required in trade policy to protect domestic agricultural interests without inadvertently harming vital export markets.

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Video: Why Invest in Canada’s Seed Future? | On The Brink: Episode 3

Darcy Unger just invested millions to build a brand-new seed plant on his farm in Stonewall, Manitoba so when it’s time for his sons to take over, they have the tools they need to succeed.

Right now, 95% of the genetics they’ll be growing come from Canadian plant breeders.

That number matters.

When fusarium hit Western Canada in the late 90s, it was Canadian breeders who responded, because they understood Canadian conditions. That ability to react quickly to what’s happening on Canadian farms is exactly what’s at risk when breeding programs lose funding.

For farmers like Darcy, who have made generational investments based on the assumption that better genetics will keep coming, the stakes are direct and personal.

We’re on the brink of decisions that will shape our agricultural future for not only our generation, but also the ones to come.

What direction will we choose?

On The Brink is a year-long video series traveling across Canada to meet the researchers, breeders, farmers, seed companies, and policymakers shaping the future of Canadian plant breeding. Each week, a new story. Each story, a piece of the bigger picture.

Episode 3 is above. Follow Seed World Canada to catch every episode, and tell us: Do you think the next generation will have the tools they need to success when they takeover? How is the future going to look?