Corn producers are growing increasingly concerned as tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump take effect, impacting trade with key U.S. partners. On Tuesday, a 25% tariff was introduced on most imports from Canada and Mexico, while tariffs on goods from China were raised to 20%.
At the 2025 Commodity Classic, National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. voiced hopes that the tariffs would be a temporary issue, noting the potential long-term impact on U.S. agricultural exports. “We did a study with the American Soybean Association that showed long-term tariffs can lead to losses in market share to competitors like Brazil and Argentina,” Hartman said. “We have significant concerns about that.”
Trent Kubik, a representative from South Dakota Corn, emphasized the need for reduced trade barriers. “Farmers in this country excel at producing corn, as well as other commodities, but we know we can’t consume it all here in America,” Kubik said. “There’s a global demand for our products, and it’s crucial to maintain access to international markets.”
Jim Kanten, president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, described the situation as evolving, with producers taking a “wait-and-see” approach. “Mexico is our number one importer of U.S. corn, and Canada is a major importer of our ethanol,” Kanten said. “We want to keep those markets open to ensure our products continue to move out of the country.”
As tensions rise over tariffs, grain futures and U.S. stock markets saw declines on Tuesday, further complicating the outlook for U.S. farmers.
