Trump’s tariffs sow trouble for farmers on both sides of the border

Farmers across North America say President Donald Trump’s tariffs on key agricultural products are driving up costs, squeezing their profit margins, and undermining once-stable trade relationships. 

Many US producers, who rely on Canadian potash and other fertilizers, report steep price increases linked to tariffs imposed by Trump’s administration. 

At the same time, Canadian farmers are struggling with retaliatory tariffs, disruptions to exports, and uncertainty in global markets.

Potash, a crucial source of potassium for soil health, has become a major concern for American farmers. 

The US imports up to 90% of its potash from Canada, and Trump’s original 25% tariff was later adjusted to 10%. 

Even so, it added roughly $100 per tonne to fertilizer bills, intensifying an already costly production season for crops such as corn and soybeans. 

Some farmers say they are forced to reduce potash usage, which could degrade soil quality and increase reliance on expensive pesticides.

The impact is particularly harsh for producers in states like South Dakota, where officials describe the situation as “devastating.” 

Fertilizer already accounts for about one-fifth of corn production costs, and most profit margins were slim before the tariffs took effect. 

Now, with grain prices stagnating and global competition on the rise, many growers say they have no choice but to pass higher costs on to consumers or face financial ruin.

Retaliatory tariffs from China, Canada, and Mexico have complicated matters further. 

American soybean exports to China, for example, dropped by 77% during Trump’s first term, prompting some farmers to question whether the lost share of the Chinese market can ever be fully recovered. 

Other sectors, such as pork and wheat, have also taken hits, as countries diversify suppliers and look beyond the US for more stable trade partners.

Many Canadian farmers are also caught in the crossfire. 

Higher tariffs on Canadian exports have forced them to find new markets or accept lower prices in the US. 

Some have turned to Europe and Asia, but building new trade relationships can be time-consuming and expensive. 

Input costs for Canadian producers have climbed because equipment and seeds that cross the border are also subject to tariffs, cutting into already narrow profit margins.

Dairy, beef, and grain farmers in Canada feel the pinch of reduced US demand. 

They say the longstanding partnership between the two nations, once defined by relatively free flow of agricultural goods, has become strained. 

Even though some relief measures have been announced, many fear they are merely stopgaps and may not address the deeper issues caused by rapidly shifting markets.

For both Canadian and American farmers, the uncertainty continues to hang over planting, harvest, and beyond, leaving many to wonder if a lasting resolution can be found.