‘Just another bullet hole’: Central Texas farmer concerned about China’s retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. agricultural goods
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Farmers are fearful of the agricultural industry changing after learning China imposed retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. agricultural goods.
Fifth generation farmer, Robert Fleming, of Fleming Cattle and Grains, told KWTX that the Chinese tariffs are an added layer of stress for him and the farmers of our country.
“It’s just another bullet hole through the heart of a depressed agricultural economy,” said Fleming.
The measures include an extra 15% duty on chicken, wheat, corn and cotton and 10% on items including beef and soybeans.
Fleming said he’s worried these trade tensions could make it harder to sell their products overseas.
On top of this, according to the Texas Farm Bureau, the profit farmers saw after paying for operating expenses, also known as net farm income, has dropped nearly $40 billion in 2024 compared to 2023.
Fleming said now with these tariffs, he could see more farmers going out of business, while making it harder for new farmers to break into the industry.
“There are probably some older farmers that will retire due to this deal. We’re growing products now that are under our cost production. That hurts the rural economy and hurts the overall nation,” said Fleming.
The Texas Farm Bureau said China is a large customer for U.S. agricultural products.
The bureau said last year, the agricultural export revenue was at $24 billion.
“They buy an incredible amount of farm products from united states from the commodities we just mentioned. In order for American agriculture to stay stable, we have to export to other countries. That hurts the economy, it hurts the rural economies, it hurts the overall nation,” said Fleming.
Fleming said he would love to invite state and federal representatives to his farm for a tour to see the realities farmers are facing.
“Make America think again, that’s what I want. I want the voices of farmers and ranchers to be heard throughout the nation,” said Fleming.
“We’re hopeful the administration can limit trade disruptions and continue working with international partners to resolve disagreements quickly,” said the Texas Farm Bureau.
Back in February, when President Trump announced implementing tariffs, the white house said, “President Trump in taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country.”
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