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Farmers

House Democrats Urge President to End Tariffs Devastating American Soybean Farmers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

House Democrats, led by U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sean Casten, have written to the president, calling for an end to the tariff policies that are adversely affecting American soybean farmers. Soybeans are Missouri's largest commodity crop, providing over $2.5 billion in economic value each year. The lawmakers highlighted the significant negative economic impact of the president's tariffs on soybean farmers, urging him to terminate them immediately to prevent further harm. The tariffs have resulted in China halting all U.S. soybean purchases since May, with the country instead choosing to buy soybeans from Brazil and Argentina.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter, signed by 35 House Democrats, highlights the devastating impact of the president's tariffs on American soybean farmers.
  • Soybeans are Missouri's largest commodity crop, providing over $2.5 billion in economic value each year.
  • The administration's tariffs have resulted in China halting all U.S. soybean purchases since May, instead opting for imports from Brazil and Argentina.
  • The value of U.S. soybean exports to China never fully recovered after the U.S. tariff war with China in the president's first term.
  • Farmers are facing higher input costs due to the tariff war, threatening the long-term access to foreign markets for U.S. producers.
  • The administration's plan to provide $20 billion in taxpayer money to bail out Argentina endangers the U.S. soybean industry by providing financial support to a leading American competitor.
  • At the same time, the U.S. soybean industry is facing economic losses, with the value of U.S. soybean exports to China plunging from $14 billion in 2016 to $3.1 billion in 2018.
  • The signatories of the letter include Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Andre Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Jim Clyburn (D-SC), Angie Craig (D-MN), Danny Davis (D-IL), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Bill Foster (D-TN), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jonathan Jackson (D-NC), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Eric Swalwell (D-MA), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Marc Veasey (D-TX).

Statistics:

  • Over 5 million acres are dedicated to soybeans each year in Missouri.
  • The value of U.S. soybean exports to China was $14 billion in 2016.
  • The value of U.S. soybean exports to China plunged to $3.1 billion in 2018 after the U.S. tariff war.
  • China purchased over half of all U.S. soybean exports in 2024, amounting to $12.6 billion.
  • The U.S. soybean industry contributes over $31 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 crop year.
  • Soybeans are the backbone of American agriculture, providing over $2.5 billion in economic value each year.
  • The administration plans to provide $20 billion in taxpayer money to bail out Argentina.

Sources:

  • Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and the office of Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II
  • Official letter from lawmakers (available here)
  • Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo.

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