smh.com.au
Kentucky Soybean Farmer Sounds Alarm on US-China Trade War
Ninth-generation Kentucky farmer and American Soybean Association president Caleb Ragland warns of devastating consequences from the US-China trade war's 145% tariffs on soybeans, citing a potential 71% loss of agricultural income in the last trade war. He urges President Trump to negotiate a tariff reduction before the October harvest, highlighting a 40% drop in soybean prices over three years and the compounding impact of recent devastating floods.
- How have the recent floods in the Midwest compounded the challenges faced by soybean farmers amid the ongoing trade dispute?
- The US-China trade war, marked by substantial tariffs on soybeans, significantly impacted US soybean exports to China, which dropped from 27 million tonnes ($12.8 billion) in the previous year. This led to a 40% drop in soybean prices over three years, from $17 to $10 per bushel, forcing farmers to consider measures like planting earlier to compensate for losses and facing the possibility of going out of business. The current situation shows a reliance on alternative suppliers for China, such as Brazil.
- What are the immediate consequences of the US-China trade war's tariffs on American soybean farmers, specifically in Kentucky?
- Caleb Ragland, a ninth-generation Kentucky farmer and president of the American Soybean Association, expresses deep concern over the impact of the 145% tariffs imposed on Chinese soybeans. He highlights that 71% of agricultural losses during the last trade war with China stemmed from soy exports, emphasizing the severe consequences for farmers' livelihoods. This situation is further exacerbated by recent devastating floods in the Midwest.
- What are the long-term implications of the current trade war and its impact on the viability of the American soybean farming industry?
- The uncertainty surrounding the future of US-China trade relations and the ongoing impact of tariffs present a critical challenge for American soybean farmers. While President Trump has indicated a potential reduction in tariffs, the lack of concrete action and the devastating impact of recent floods create a precarious situation for farmers' livelihoods. The potential for further bailouts remains a possibility, but the long-term sustainability of the industry is threatened.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the trade war primarily through the lens of its negative impact on Kentucky soybean farmers. While this provides a compelling human-interest story, it might unintentionally downplay the broader economic and geopolitical implications of the trade conflict. The use of Ragland's personal anecdotes and emotional appeals in the introduction and throughout the article strengthens this framing, prioritizing the narrative of individual farmer hardship over a more balanced analysis.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but the frequent use of terms like "sacrificial lamb", "trade embargo", and descriptions of farmers' worries as "deeply worried" and "nervous" carries a slightly emotional and negative connotation. While these words are not inherently biased, they contribute to a tone that leans sympathetically toward the farmers' plight. More neutral alternatives could include phrases like "significantly impacted" or "expressing concern".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the perspective of soybean farmers in Kentucky and their concerns regarding the trade war with China. While it mentions the impact on the broader agricultural sector and alludes to the views of the administration, it lacks diverse perspectives from other stakeholders involved in the trade war, such as Chinese importers, other agricultural sectors affected by the tariffs, or economists with differing views on the trade war's impact. The absence of these perspectives limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion on the complexity of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by framing the situation as a choice between accepting the high tariffs and suffering economic losses or hoping for a deal with China that lowers them. It doesn't fully explore alternative solutions or strategies that farmers could employ to mitigate the impact of tariffs, such as diversification of export markets or government support programs beyond bailouts.
Gender Bias
The article primarily features male voices, specifically Caleb Ragland and Micah Lester. While this may reflect the demographics of the agricultural sector in the region, it lacks female perspectives which could provide a different angle on the issue. The article doesn't exhibit overt gender bias in language or representation, but there is an imbalance in the sources.
Sustainable Development Goals
The trade war and resulting tariffs have negatively impacted soybean farmers in Kentucky, threatening their livelihoods and potentially pushing some out of business. This directly affects their ability to earn a living and escape poverty.