By Jamie Martin
U.S. Representative Angie Craig, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, has called on President Trump to roll back the controversial “Liberation Day” tariffs that have disrupted the U.S. soybean industry and strained global trade relations.
In a detailed letter to the President, Craig and several Members of Congress outlined the economic damage these tariffs have caused. They cited significant declines in soybean exports, with China — once the largest buyer of U.S. soybeans — halting purchases entirely since May following retaliatory tariffs.
According to the lawmakers, soybeans play a vital role in the national economy, contributing over $31 billion during the 2023–2024 crop year. However, the administration’s trade policies and the recent $40 billion bailout to Argentina, a direct competitor in global soybean exports, have worsened the crisis for American producers.
The letter also criticized the September 25, 2025, announcement of tariff-funded cash payments, calling it a temporary fix that fails to resolve long-term market instability. “Short-term relief does not replace the lost markets or rebuild trust with trade partners,” the Members stated.
Craig emphasized that while targeted tariffs can support fair trade, the “Liberation Day” tariffs lack economic justification and have harmed U.S. farmers instead of helping them. “Lost soybean sales are only the beginning,” she warned. “This trade war threatens the entire U.S. agriculture sector.”
By urging the administration to restore trade stability, Craig hopes to protect the livelihoods of soybean farmers and ensure America remains competitive in the global agricultural market.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: National