In a recent effort to support American agriculture, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) has led a coalition of 20 Members of Congress in urging President Donald Trump to negotiate new trade agreements that will benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers. The initiative focuses on eliminating restrictive trade barriers and expanding global market access for American agricultural products.
The letter sent to President Trump highlights the success of past trade agreements that provided better market access but underscores the growing imbalance in agricultural trade. The U.S. agricultural trade deficit has reached a record $32 billion for FY2024, as imports continue to outpace exports. The lawmakers emphasize that unfair and nonreciprocal trade barriers imposed by foreign nations have limited the ability of American farmers to compete on a level playing field.
Several leading agricultural organizations have voiced their support for Arrington’s push. The Texas Farm Bureau expressed appreciation for the effort, noting that expanded trade opportunities add value to crops and livestock. The National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association also backed the initiative, stressing the need to remove trade restrictions and open new markets to support profitability in their respective sectors.
With agriculture being a backbone of rural America, this bipartisan effort aims to ensure that U.S. farmers and ranchers have greater opportunities to compete globally and secure stronger economic futures. The call for new trade agreements reflects an ongoing commitment to putting American agriculture first in international trade negotiations.
