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Iowa farmer calls for quick de-escalation of U.S.-China trade war

Trade tensions continue to escalate between the U.S. and China, and an eastern Iowa farmer says he’s concerned about the impact on producers.

Dave Walton tells Brownfield China is the biggest export market for U.S. soybean growers.

“I was reading a report overnight that China has once again raised their import tariffs on goods,” he said. “The market outlook for soybeans looks very tough this year unless we can get this trade war resolved before the new crop comes out.”

Walton says a de-escalation of the trade war is needed sooner rather than later.

“Both sides need to calm down, cool off, and negotiate some of these tariff and non-tariff barriers between the two countries.”

He says he’s been engaged with lawmakers on the issue as part of his leadership work with the Iowa Soybean Association and American Soybean Association.

“I’m trying to help out the best I can, but on the farm, you just have to work your plan and hope for the best.”

As of Wednesday morning, the U.S. tariff rate on Chinese goods had increased to 104% with China increasing its tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%.

AUDIO: Eastern Iowa farmer Dave Walton