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Witnesses warn tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China would hit producers and export-dependent supply chains
Summary
Multiple witnesses and members told the subcommittee that tariffs and retaliatory measures would harm producers who rely on integrated cross-border supply chains. Pork and beef producers emphasized the value of export markets and urged continued pursuit of comprehensive trade agreements while cautioning against sudden tariff actions.
Ranking Member Raul Costa (as identified in committee remarks) and other members raised immediate concerns about tariffs that the administration announced this morning affecting Canada, Mexico and China. In opening remarks, the ranking member said, “I’ve never been a fan of tariffs, regardless if it’s a Democratic or Republican administration,” and warned of costs to consumers and producers.
Why it matters: Several witnesses described tightly integrated North American production systems and warned that tariffs would raise input costs and shrink export demand. Lori Stevermer, president of the National Pork Producers Council, told the subcommittee that trade “provides us with $62.66 dollars per pig marketed.” Troy Sander, speaking for cattle producers, said exports are worth about $425 per head to his sector.
Witnesses described specific vulnerabilities. Stevermer said Mexico is the pork industry’s largest market and noted the role of Canadian-born wean pigs raised in U.S. farms. Troy Sander and Walter Schweitzer described cross-border feed and cattle flows and said tariffs would raise costs on both sides of the border. Several members and witnesses said trade negotiations and enforcement of agreements such as USMCA are priorities for stabilizing markets.
Committee context: Members emphasized the need for durable trade policy as part of a five-year farm bill. Witnesses urged the committee and the administration to continue to pursue comprehensive trade agreements that remove tariff and non-tariff barriers and to consider potential export-market development funding.
Looking ahead: Witnesses said they will monitor any retaliatory actions and asked Congress to weigh market disruption risks when considering tariffs that could invite retaliation from key trading partners.
