Wednesday, 22 October 2025 14:25

Cold comfort

Written by  The Hound

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact that, now more than ever, US farmers are being propped up by government welfare – a direct result of Trump’s hardline on its trading partners.

Particularly China. For decades, Chinese demand underpinned the US Midwest economy, taking roughly a third of US grain production.

Then came the Trump trade wars.

The response by the US government will be to release billions of dollars in aid for the losses created by its own policies. China has pivoted fast, locking in long-term supply deals with Brazil and expanding its crushing and logistics capacity.

The result is a trade shift that will possibly be permanent.

American farmers voted overwhelmingly for Trump and its cold comfort to the Hound that they are now finding it’s hitting their bottom.

More like this

Editorial: Trump's Tirade

OPINION: "We are back to where we were a year ago," according to a leading banking analyst in the UK, referring to US president Donald Trump's latest imposition of a global 10% tariff on all exports into the US.

Global Trade Uncertainty 'Likely To Remain'

Global trade has been thrown into another bout of uncertainty following the overnight ruling by US Supreme Court, striking down President Donald Trump's decision to impose additional tariffs on trading partners.

Birth woes

OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.

Featured

Lincoln Student Awarded Dairy Scholarship

The South Island Dairy Event has announced Jessica Findlay as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship Programme, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.

Bridge Pā Table Grape Harvest Starts Weeks Early

Budou are being picked now in Bridge Pā, the most intense and exciting time of the year for the Greencollar team – and the harvest of the finest eating grapes is weeks earlier than expected.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Penny Pinching

OPINION: A mate of yours truly reckons rural Manawatu families are the latest to suffer under what he calls the…

New Order

OPINION: If old Winston Peters thinks building trade relations with new nations, such as India, isn't a necessary investment in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter