Trump to Visit Iowa as Farmers Say Tariffs Have Hurt State Economy

President Trump is heading to Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday to deliver a speech on the economy and “affordability,” a visit that comes as many Iowans say they continue to feel the effects of his trade and budget policies. Farmers and industry leaders say Mr. Trump’s barrage of tariffs last year raised the cost of machinery and materials they rely on — including metal bins and tractors — and that China’s retaliation, which halted purchases of American farm products for much of 2025, cut off Iowa soybean exporters from a major buyer.

“It is a dire time for American farmers, particularly the Midwest soybean and corn farmers,” said Kirk Leeds, chief executive of the Iowa Soybean Association. The administration and Beijing reached a one-year truce in late October that ended China’s boycott of farm products, and the White House unveiled a $12 billion aid package for farmers.

Administration officials said China fulfilled an initial commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans and pledged to purchase 25 million metric tons per year for the next three years; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he urged additional purchases during a meeting in Davos.

Economic data cited in a recent report showed crop receipts in Iowa were on track to fall 4 percent in 2025 to $666 million, and there were 18 farm bankruptcies through last October, the highest total since 2020.

Key Topics

Politics, Donald Trump, Iowa, Tariffs, Soybeans, China