Bend, OR – As trade negotiations between the U.S. and its major partners take center stage, Oregon farmers are facing heightened uncertainty. While recent talks have momentarily stalled President Donald Trump’s plans to impose sweeping tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, the threat of a potential trade war remains a pressing concern for the state’s agricultural sector.
In 2023, Oregon’s agricultural and semiconductor industries exported over $25 billion worth of goods, with more than $2 billion of that figure coming from agricultural exports alone. Products such as wheat, hazelnuts, cherries, blueberries, and ornamental plants make up a significant portion of the state’s international trade. For Oregon’s farmers, the global market is vital, and any disruption to the flow of goods could have a detrimental effect.
Tim Delbridge, a professor of applied economics at Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, explains the ripple effect such trade disruptions can have on the agricultural industry. “All of these sectors, whether it’s beef, blueberries, cherries, or hazelnuts, rely on individuals working tirelessly to ship products abroad. When you alter trade policies, it creates uncertainty and disrupts the entire process,” Delbridge said.
The looming threat of 25% tariffs on U.S. imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as 10% tariffs on goods from China, have raised alarms for Oregon’s farming community. These three countries represent some of the largest agricultural trading partners of the United States, and any trade barrier could severely impact local growers who rely on these international markets.
While negotiations over the tariffs are currently on hold, the possibility of retaliatory measures from Canada, Mexico, or China remains on the horizon. Farmers fear that such retaliations could lead to higher costs for their goods, making their products less competitive in foreign markets.
The ongoing uncertainty leaves Oregon’s agricultural exporters in a precarious position, with many wondering how long they can continue to rely on a stable trading environment as tensions simmer between the U.S. and its key partners.
