Trump’s trade war: US farmers struggle to survive economic storm

As President Donald Trump prepares to announce a new wave of tariffs, many congressional Republicans are voicing growing concerns over the potential for a prolonged trade war and its repercussions for American farmers.

The President is expected to impose duties on imports from all countries, with tariffs possibly being introduced as early as on April 2, Caliber.Az reports per US media.

This move has raised alarms, particularly within the agricultural sector, where farmers could face significant economic hardship.

House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., expressed his worries during an interview with NBC News, revealing that he has urged the White House to exempt certain vital goods—such as fertiliser and peat moss—that are crucial to U.S. agricultural operations.

Thompson stated that he has been in regular communication with the administration to ensure that these goods are protected from the new tariffs, though he remains prepared for the possibility of needing to support farmers through emergency aid packages if the situation escalates.

“I’ve kind of pointed out the things that I’m hoping will be excluded,” Thompson explained. “I talk with anybody who will listen to me... they’ve been really good about input.”

Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, echoed these concerns, indicating that specific goods—such as potash, for which the U.S. relies heavily on Canada—are likely to require exemptions. Grassley warned that these essential goods must be considered to avoid exacerbating the situation.

Meanwhile, House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., highlighted the divide between the farming and non-farming communities in his state. While farmers are deeply concerned about the potential for retaliatory tariffs, others outside the agricultural sector largely support the new trade measures. Cole acknowledged the mixed reactions, describing his stance as a “wait and see” approach.

Senator John Kennedy, R-La., was also cautious, suggesting that the potential negative effects of the tariffs could outweigh the long-term benefits. “The short run matters,” Kennedy said. “What’s going to happen? No one knows.”

On the Democratic side, Senator Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., shared similar concerns, noting that Georgia’s farmers are particularly anxious about the prolonged trade conflict. "This will not help. It’s a tough business to begin with," Warnock said. "The margins of profitability are low... and this just adds to their stress."

Trump’s forthcoming announcement will reportedly involve tariffs on a broad range of countries, not just those with the largest trade disparities with the U.S. This has further fuelled fears of broader economic repercussions. On April 1, a group of Senate Democrats, led by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, will push for a vote on a measure that would terminate the emergency declaration Trump is using to justify the imposition of these tariffs, especially on Canada.

“I look forward to this legislation coming to the floor for a vote so every Senator can publicly answer this question: are you willing to put your constituents and our economy above Trump’s worst impulses?” Kaine said in a statement.

As the debate intensifies, both sides of the aisle remain divided over the wisdom of Trump's tariff strategy, with the agricultural community particularly concerned about the immediate and long-term economic impact.

By Aghakazim Guliyev