ASA Appreciates Agricultural Input Exemptions, Calls for More

Yesterday, the Trump Administration announced new Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, replacing the expired Section 122 tariffs. The new action includes exemptions for certain agricultural inputs, including some products the American Soybean Association and a broad coalition of agricultural organizations identified as critical to U.S. farmers.

"Soybean farmers depend on reliable access to affordable seed, fertilizers, crop protection products, machinery and replacement parts to remain competitive," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer. "We appreciate that the administration recognized the importance of exempting some of these critical inputs and thank the White House and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for listening to the concerns of U.S. farmers throughout the Section 301 investigation. At the same time, additional products essential to farmers now face additional tariffs that will drive up the price of inputs and further exacerbate the rising cost of farming. ASA encourages the administration to continue expanding exemptions to reflect the needs of U.S. agriculture."

ASA continues to urge the administration to exempt countries with which the United States has free trade agreements and that are meeting their obligations under those agreements. Maintaining those commitments provides greater certainty for farmers and strengthens long-term trading relationships. Additionally, ASA is encouraging the administration to use the leverage of tariffs to pursue new bilateral trade agreements that support the U.S. economy and expand market opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.

ASA has actively engaged throughout the Section 301 investigation process, submitting joint comments with the U.S. Soybean Export Council and providing testimony before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.