Why the U.S.‑Canada trade war could change how American farmers grow their crops for years

US-Canada trade war threatens the future of American farm crops

Canada’s tariffs aren’t directly aimed at farmers, but farms will feel the cost if they go into effect.

Why the US-Canada trade war could change how American farmers grow their crops for years

Most healthy soybean fields like this one in Minnesota rely on fertilizer. Richard Hamilton Smith/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesU.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada is getting personal for American farmers. After trade talks between the two longtime allies fell apart in mid-August 2026, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian imports worth roughly US$20 billion (CAD$27 billion). Canada …

Why the U.S.‑Canada trade war could change how American farmers grow their crops for years

Canada is a major supplier of fertilizer that could get pulled into Trump's trade war. Farms can go without fertilizer for a while, but not long.

Why the US‑Canada trade war could change how American farmers grow their crops for years

by Jayash Paudel, University of Oklahoma, [This article first appeared in The Conversation, republished with permission] U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada is getting personal for American farmers. After trade talks between the two longtime allies fell apart in mid-August 2026, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian imports worth roughly US$20 billion (CAD$27 billion). Canada responded on Aug. 25, 2026, by announc…