Agricultural Trade Shaped by Tariffs

By Scout Nelson

Carlos Zurita, a senior research economist at the Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies (CAPTS) at North Dakota State University (NDSU), recently delivered enlightening presentations at South Dakota State University (SDSU). His focus was on the evolving landscape of US agricultural trade in the face of changing trade policies.

During a presentation titled "U.S. Trade Policy Shifts: Potential Implications for Agricultural Exports," Zurita explored the possible repercussions of retaliatory and reciprocal tariffs on US agriculture. His research, co-authored and presented as part of a lecture series at SDSU’s Ness School of Management and Economics, drew significant attention from both academia and industry leaders.

On February 24, Zurita engaged with SDSU faculty and graduate students, discussing how shifts in trade policies might affect various agricultural sectors. He provided a detailed analysis of which sectors could be most impacted and proposed strategies to mitigate adverse effects. The engaging discussion highlighted potential trade redirections to lessen negative impacts on US exports.

A subsequent session on March 21 focused more on the practical implications for regional stakeholders, including farmers and business leaders. Zurita’s insights helped illuminate how changes in trade dynamics could alter the economic landscape for South Dakota’s agricultural community.

Utilizing a sophisticated trade model, the research offered a comprehensive view of market disruptions and economic impacts resulting from retaliatory tariffs. Zurita noted that such tariffs might not serve the best interests of trading partners like Canada, China, and Mexico, as they could face greater export reductions compared to non-retaliation scenarios.

The presentations were well received, with strong engagement and requests for further updates as the research progresses. This series not only underscored the relevance of CAPTS’s work but also reinforced its commitment to providing actionable insights that aid policymakers and agricultural stakeholders in navigating complex trade environments.

Photo Credits:north-dakota-state-university