Oliver Ward
@oliward.bsky.social
Trade editor at Agri-Pulse
Brit in the U.S.
Into graphs
Tips & coffee invites welcome at oliver@agri-pulse.com
Brit in the U.S.
Into graphs
Tips & coffee invites welcome at oliver@agri-pulse.com
US farmers have really turned out to weigh in on USMCA. Digging through the comments, I'm struck by how many family farms have weighed in. It looks like Farm Action mobilised around MCOOL, but there plenty arguing US should raise water issues & complaining imports are driving commodity prices down
November 3, 2025 at 3:13 PM
US farmers have really turned out to weigh in on USMCA. Digging through the comments, I'm struck by how many family farms have weighed in. It looks like Farm Action mobilised around MCOOL, but there plenty arguing US should raise water issues & complaining imports are driving commodity prices down
Reposted by Oliver Ward
The CPTPP has so many applicants that it is now mulling setting up a secretariat - great scoop from our roving Pacific reporter (he wishes!) @chrishorseman.bsky.social borderlex.net/2025/11/03/c...
CPTPP members mull forming secretariat as applicant numbers swell - Borderlex - European trade policy
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borderlex.net
November 3, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The CPTPP has so many applicants that it is now mulling setting up a secretariat - great scoop from our roving Pacific reporter (he wishes!) @chrishorseman.bsky.social borderlex.net/2025/11/03/c...
The White House provides further clarity on China's soybean purchase commitments. Looks like the 12 MMT is for the rest of 2025, and the 25 MMT are for the next three calendar years.
www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/...
www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/...
November 2, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The White House provides further clarity on China's soybean purchase commitments. Looks like the 12 MMT is for the rest of 2025, and the 25 MMT are for the next three calendar years.
www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/...
www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/...
Reposted by Oliver Ward
NEWS: CBS News gutted its climate team as part of the big Paramount layoffs this week. These journalists had been doing incredible reporting on extreme heat, flooding, clean energy investments and more.
I've got details for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/cbs-news-g...
I've got details for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/cbs-news-g...
CBS News just gutted its climate team
Paramount and Bari Weiss aren't off to a great start. Here's why David Ellison should change course.
www.climatecoloredgoggles.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:55 AM
NEWS: CBS News gutted its climate team as part of the big Paramount layoffs this week. These journalists had been doing incredible reporting on extreme heat, flooding, clean energy investments and more.
I've got details for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/cbs-news-g...
I've got details for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/cbs-news-g...
One soybean market analyst tells me there simply isn't enough time between now and the end of January for China to make good on the 12 million-ton purchase target Bessent unveiled. The logistics aren't in place for December shipments, leaving too much volume to move in January.
October 30, 2025 at 2:05 PM
One soybean market analyst tells me there simply isn't enough time between now and the end of January for China to make good on the 12 million-ton purchase target Bessent unveiled. The logistics aren't in place for December shipments, leaving too much volume to move in January.
Trump's pick for USTR chief ag negotiator, Julie Callahan: "My intention in the negotiation with Argentina is this will not be a one-way conversation about beef. We would like to see beef access into Argentina as well."
October 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Trump's pick for USTR chief ag negotiator, Julie Callahan: "My intention in the negotiation with Argentina is this will not be a one-way conversation about beef. We would like to see beef access into Argentina as well."
Sen. Grassley urges Trump's USTR nominees at this morning's hearing to carry the message to Commerce to lower countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer.
October 29, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Sen. Grassley urges Trump's USTR nominees at this morning's hearing to carry the message to Commerce to lower countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer.
The Japanese served Trump & the US delegation American rice and beef for their working lunch today. Some context: Japan has been boosting its imports of US rice since the two sides signed a tariff deal in July. Japan committed to buying 75% more US rice, & is already quietly implementing it.
October 28, 2025 at 12:48 PM
The Japanese served Trump & the US delegation American rice and beef for their working lunch today. Some context: Japan has been boosting its imports of US rice since the two sides signed a tariff deal in July. Japan committed to buying 75% more US rice, & is already quietly implementing it.
US dairy has to pretty pleased with this provision in the U.S.-Malaysia pact. Malaysia restarted FTA talks with the European Union earlier this year, and geographical indicators for iconic products are always a negotiating priority for the Europeans.
October 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM
US dairy has to pretty pleased with this provision in the U.S.-Malaysia pact. Malaysia restarted FTA talks with the European Union earlier this year, and geographical indicators for iconic products are always a negotiating priority for the Europeans.
Ways & Means trade subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith on the admin plan to raise Argentina's beef tariff-rate quota.
October 24, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Ways & Means trade subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith on the admin plan to raise Argentina's beef tariff-rate quota.
Some pretty strong statements opposing more Argentinian beef imports from Republicans & cattle groups that are normally supportive of Trump's policies. Latest from NCBA saying they cannot back POTUS "while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers."
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
Trump spars with cattle producers, claims credit for strong prices
In a pair of social media posts Wednesday, President Donald Trump shot back at U.S. cattle producers, who have criticized his proposal to use Argentinian beef imports to lower U.S. consumer prices.
www.agri-pulse.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Some pretty strong statements opposing more Argentinian beef imports from Republicans & cattle groups that are normally supportive of Trump's policies. Latest from NCBA saying they cannot back POTUS "while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers."
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
Tariffs are already shifting fertilizer supply chains, increasing costs, study finds
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
Tariffs are already shifting fertilizer supply chains, increasing costs, study finds
U.S. fertilizer imports are responding to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs adopted this summer, with buyers pivoting to lower-tariff sources, increasing costs for customers, a new analysis fi...
www.agri-pulse.com
October 22, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Tariffs are already shifting fertilizer supply chains, increasing costs, study finds
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
Reposted by Oliver Ward
Early in Trump's second term, the reduction in Canadian tourists visiting the US was mostly just foregone day trips. But now short-term excursions have stabilized, and Canadians are instead increasingly avoiding long-term vacations in the US
October 22, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Early in Trump's second term, the reduction in Canadian tourists visiting the US was mostly just foregone day trips. But now short-term excursions have stabilized, and Canadians are instead increasingly avoiding long-term vacations in the US
Sen. Kaine on possible timing for a floor vote on the Brazil tariffs: “it’s going to be before Oct. 31… likely to be next week.” Says another vote on the Canada tariffs could come the same day or “maybe one day apart.”
October 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Sen. Kaine on possible timing for a floor vote on the Brazil tariffs: “it’s going to be before Oct. 31… likely to be next week.” Says another vote on the Canada tariffs could come the same day or “maybe one day apart.”
Brazil's 2025/26 soybean planting is outpacing recent years, suggesting further U.S. export challenges next year. From Karen Braun at Zaner Ag Hedge.
www.zaneraghedge.com/newsletter-r...
www.zaneraghedge.com/newsletter-r...
October 16, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Brazil's 2025/26 soybean planting is outpacing recent years, suggesting further U.S. export challenges next year. From Karen Braun at Zaner Ag Hedge.
www.zaneraghedge.com/newsletter-r...
www.zaneraghedge.com/newsletter-r...
Senators raise tariff woes with admin in closed-door meeting
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
Farm-state senators raise tariff woes with admin in closed-door meeting
Farm-state GOP lawmakers pushed back on the administration’s trade approach in a closed-door meeting with a top Trump trade official on Wednesday, according to multiple participants.
www.agri-pulse.com
October 15, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Senators raise tariff woes with admin in closed-door meeting
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/236...
Asked Sen. Moran as he was the leaving GOP meeting with Jamieson Greer, whether he’s encouraged by what he heard from the USTR. “Anxious,” he replied.
October 15, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Asked Sen. Moran as he was the leaving GOP meeting with Jamieson Greer, whether he’s encouraged by what he heard from the USTR. “Anxious,” he replied.
SCOOP: State Department could restart Feed the Future labs as soon as this year
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
State Department could restart Feed the Future labs as soon as this year
Funding for Feed the Future innovation labs emerged from this summer’s rescission blitz intact, but work remains in limbo following stop-work orders issued earlier this year.
www.agri-pulse.com
October 14, 2025 at 6:49 PM
SCOOP: State Department could restart Feed the Future labs as soon as this year
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
Reposted by Oliver Ward
US-China tariffs: where do they currently stand?
- US average tariff on imports from China: 57.6%
- China average tariff on imports from US: 32.6%
Note: We have been updating this chart since September 2019
- US average tariff on imports from China: 57.6%
- China average tariff on imports from US: 32.6%
Note: We have been updating this chart since September 2019
US-China Trade War Tariffs: An Up-to-Date Chart
Average US tariffs on Chinese exports now stand at 57.6 percent and cover 100 percent of all goods. China's average tariffs on US exports are at 32.6 percent and cover 100 percent of all goods. US tar...
www.piie.com
October 11, 2025 at 3:38 PM
US-China tariffs: where do they currently stand?
- US average tariff on imports from China: 57.6%
- China average tariff on imports from US: 32.6%
Note: We have been updating this chart since September 2019
- US average tariff on imports from China: 57.6%
- China average tariff on imports from US: 32.6%
Note: We have been updating this chart since September 2019
Indonesian media reporting US deal has tariff carveouts for ag commodities not produced domestically. From @antara-poster.bsky.social
en.antaranews.com/news/385177/...
en.antaranews.com/news/385177/...
October 9, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Indonesian media reporting US deal has tariff carveouts for ag commodities not produced domestically. From @antara-poster.bsky.social
en.antaranews.com/news/385177/...
en.antaranews.com/news/385177/...
Confidence among farmers that Trump's tariffs will lead to long-term economic gains is slipping. New survey data from Purdue's Ag Economy Barometer shows just 51% think the increased use of tariffs will strengthen the ag economy in the long-run, down from 63% in June.
ag.purdue.edu/commercialag...
ag.purdue.edu/commercialag...
October 9, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Confidence among farmers that Trump's tariffs will lead to long-term economic gains is slipping. New survey data from Purdue's Ag Economy Barometer shows just 51% think the increased use of tariffs will strengthen the ag economy in the long-run, down from 63% in June.
ag.purdue.edu/commercialag...
ag.purdue.edu/commercialag...
"Countries such as Tunisia are base hits, not a home run like China, Ewoldt said. Creating new markets helps over time, but if U.S. growers can’t sell their beans soon, Ewoldt worries about getting enough cash to finance his farm." From @wsj.com last night.
www.wsj.com/economy/trad...
www.wsj.com/economy/trad...
October 8, 2025 at 1:29 PM
"Countries such as Tunisia are base hits, not a home run like China, Ewoldt said. Creating new markets helps over time, but if U.S. growers can’t sell their beans soon, Ewoldt worries about getting enough cash to finance his farm." From @wsj.com last night.
www.wsj.com/economy/trad...
www.wsj.com/economy/trad...
US timber exporters are quietly adding language to procurement contracts to bring their supply chains in line with the EU's proposed deforestation rules, spurring tensions with southern landowners.
My latest: www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
My latest: www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
EU deforestation rules shaping U.S. timber contracts, hitting ag land conversions
Major timber exporters are quietly changing their contracts with timber suppliers to ensure their supply chains are complaint with forthcoming EU rules, despite lingering uncertainty over when and how...
www.agri-pulse.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
US timber exporters are quietly adding language to procurement contracts to bring their supply chains in line with the EU's proposed deforestation rules, spurring tensions with southern landowners.
My latest: www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
My latest: www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
SCOOP in this morning's Daybreak newsletter: USDA quietly moves $13B as officials ready farm aid; senators offer new details
Read more: www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
Read more: www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
Daybreak Oct. 7: Scoop: USDA quietly moves $13B as officials ready farm aid; senators offer new details
The Trump administration has quietly moved some $13 billion from a fund used to deliver tariff assistance to farmers in President Trump’s first term to the Agriculture Secretary’s office.
www.agri-pulse.com
October 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM
SCOOP in this morning's Daybreak newsletter: USDA quietly moves $13B as officials ready farm aid; senators offer new details
Read more: www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
Read more: www.agri-pulse.com/articles/235...
Reposted by Oliver Ward
US prices behaving pretty much as you'd expect after tariffs, not least given time lags and the various mark-ups on top of import costs www.ft.com/content/f4bd...
Impact of Trump tariffs is beginning to show in US consumer prices
Trade levies are starting to drive up costs for goods from cans of soup to car parts
www.ft.com
October 5, 2025 at 3:27 PM
US prices behaving pretty much as you'd expect after tariffs, not least given time lags and the various mark-ups on top of import costs www.ft.com/content/f4bd...