Op-Ed: Jonathan Shell and Tate Bennett: President Trump’s Trade Wins Are a Boon for American Agriculture
In an era when rural America has too often been left behind by globalization, President Donald J. Trump’s recent trade deals are delivering long-overdue wins for the backbone of our nation: American farmers. His administration’s actions mark meaningful efforts to neutralize our growing agricultural trade deficit. With bold new policies and a renewed emphasis on fairness, President Trump is proving that agricultural producers are not just part of our economy, they are a top priority.
On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced his signature “Liberation Day” tariffs, which introduced a universal 10 percent baseline tariff on imports. This shift has leveled the playing field for American producers, long burdened by bad trade deals. For decades, foreign countries imposed steep tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods while flooding our markets with subsidized produce, meat, and grain. That is no longer the case.
Under President Trump’s leadership, countries that wish to access the lucrative American consumer base must now eliminate their unfair barriers to U.S. agriculture. This includes long-overdue reforms from key trading partners who have discriminated against our beef, pork, soybeans, and corn.
One of the most notable outcomes of late is the recent U.S. trade agreement with the United Kingdom and China’s removal of its Liberation Day retaliatory tariffs, and nowhere are the benefits of these trade deals more evident than in the field.
With Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins by his side, President Trump announced a historic trade deal, providing American companies unprecedented access to the U.K. market while bolstering U.S. national security. The U.K. agreement is a step toward leveling the playing field for U.S. dairy and wheat, and it is a win for farmers across the Heartland. This provides a much-needed diversification of export destinations for producers facing rising costs and uncertain global demand. The deal is great for corn farmers too. The U.K. will offer a preferential duty-free quota of 1.4 billion liters for U.S. ethanol. Moreover, the U.K. will remove the 20 percent tariff and establish a duty-free quota of 13,000 metric tons for U.S. beef, a historic opening of a new market for American cattle farmers and ranchers. Secretary Rollins embarked on a trade delegation visit to the U.K. following the announcement, where she emphasized the importance of eliminating non-tariff barriers, too, such as those related to differing regulatory frameworks.
China’s will also eliminate its tariffs on American commodities as well. After recognizing their reliance on American farmers, Chinese tariffs on U.S. agricultural imports, as high as 125 percent after Liberation Day, have now fallen to 10 percent for the next 90 days, just in time for planting season.
The Trump administration’s trade strategy is not only about immediate economic gains, it is about protecting the future of American farming and enhancing prosperity in rural America. By demanding reciprocal treatment and defending the value of American produce on the world stage, President Trump is ensuring that farming remains a viable, profitable, and respected profession for generations to come.
These trade deals are part of a broader vision to restore American economic dominance. By holding trading partners accountable and ensuring that trade is fair and reciprocal, this administration is laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and job creation. President Trump’s fight for fair trade is more than just renegotiated deals. They are a testament to his commitment to putting America first, always. In putting American workers and growers first, President Trump is reaffirming that a strong nation begins with strong farms.
President Trump’s policies are empowering American workers, strengthening national security, and positioning the United States as a leader in the global economy. By challenging unfair trade practices and securing favorable terms for American industries, he is ensuring that the United States remains a strong and competitive force on the world stage.
Jonathan Shell is the current Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. Tate Bennett is the Director of Rural Policy at the America First Policy Institute.
