Retaliatory tariffs: How an Iowa farmer is preparing
What tariffs could mean for 2025 crop ahead of planting season
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including a 10% tariff on soybeans, are causing concern for Iowa farmers like Doug Fuller, whose family has farmed in northern Polk County for generations.
Fuller, who is preparing to plant this year’s soybean crop, is apprehensive about the potential impact on his livelihood.
China, one of the largest overseas markets for American soybeans, imposed the tariffs in response to President Donald Trump’s 10% blanket tariff on Chinese goods.
Fuller fears the consequences for the 2025 harvest, expressing frustration over the situation. “They aren’t good for the other countries. They aren’t good for me. And who could blame them? Putting reciprocal tariffs on us. You know, it’s just a pissing match, and nobody’s going to win,” he said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that nearly $13 billion worth of soybeans were exported to China last year. However, Fuller has already endured two years of declining soybean prices and anticipates the trend may persist. “Last year, we took a step back, and now we’re taking another step back. Many of us will get through it and it’s going to be tough on others,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Fuller remains hopeful that a strong yield could help offset the low prices. As planting season begins, he looks to the future with cautious optimism.
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