Rep. Craig Calls on President Trump to Roll Back Illegal Tariffs, Provide Relief to America's Soybean Farmers

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture Angie Craig called on President Trump to roll back his unconstitutional, country-specific “Liberation Day” tariffs and provide relief to soybean farmers in Minnesota and across the country.

In a letter to the President, Rep. Craig and her colleagues pointed to the negative impacts his trade policies have had on soybean farmers and the nation’s agricultural competitiveness. She also called out the Trump Administration’s recent announcement of an estimated $40 billion – largely taxpayer-funded – bailout to Argentina, one of the United States’ leading soybean export competitors.

“Soybeans are the backbone of American agriculture, contributing over $31 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 crop year,” the Members wrote. “In 2024, China purchased more than half of all U.S. soybean exports, amounting to $12.6 billion. However, in response to the tariffs you imposed earlier this year, China levied retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports and has halted all U.S. soybean purchases since May. As a result, American farmers are at risk of becoming collateral damage in your trade war.”

In the letter, the Members also addressed the Administration’s insufficient efforts to support soybean farmers through the crisis the President’s trade policies created.

“Your September 25, 2025, announcement of tariff-funded relief to farmers through cash payments is a short-term proposal to address financial harm caused by your Administration’s policies, but market assistance does not solve the long-term challenges facing U.S. agriculture,” the Members continued. “Your tariffs are expected to continue rippling across the farm economy, shrinking key export markets, squeezing our farmers' revenue, and driving up consumer prices.”

Finally, the Members asserted that while targeted tariffs can be effective, the unconstitutional “Liberation Day” tariffs that have swept the agricultural economy have done much more harm than good.

“Lost soybean sales are only the beginning: this trade war threatens the entire U.S. agriculture sector," the Members concluded. “While we support tariffs when they are grounded in rigorous research and clear economic data, your unilateral approach has had significant negative consequences.”

You can read the full text of the letter here.

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