US farmers confront mounting pressures as retaliatory tariffs reshape global agricultural trade flows. China, which purchased nearly half of American soybean exports in 2024, has redirected purchases to Brazil and India. Chinese corn imports from the US plunged from $5.2 billion in 2022 to $331 million in 2024, while total US corn exports declined from $18.57 billion to $13.7 billion.
The American Enterprise Institute warned in April that China's permanent shift to Brazilian soybeans after the previous trade war signals lasting damage to US agricultural markets. Rising production costs compound farmers' struggles despite $10 billion in emergency federal assistance. The US agricultural trade deficit reached $28.6 billion in early 2025, reflecting severe imbalances as machinery prices rise and weather patterns disrupt yields.
Washington seeks expanded agricultural access to India through bilateral negotiations while criticizing New Delhi's oil purchases from Russia. India maintains protective tariffs to shield its farming sector, where 89 percent of producers operate small holdings under 2 hectares. American negotiators target Indian markets for soybeans, corn, cotton and dairy products as domestic farmers face sustained economic pressure from trade disputes.
