Trade War Could Complicate Montana Wheat Sales Growth

Montana wheat farmers are eyeing a potential U.S. trade war with China, though tariffs would have moderate effects on state commodities saysa report at Ravalli Republic.

China in recent years has been a reliable buyer of hard red spring wheat shipped from the Pacific Northwest. Sales in 2017 amounted to 26 million bushels, according data released last week by U.S. Wheat Associates, with about half the grain coming from Montana.

A 25% tariff on 103 U.S. products, including wheat, would hurt sales, said Cassidy Marn, trade and marketing manager for the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. China warned of tariffs last week in response to President Donald Trump ordering tariffs on aluminum and steel to bolster U.S. production.

The bigger loss for Montana wheat would be future opportunities.

“It’s unfortunate because it’s a market we’re going to develop, and this kind of puts a dent in things,” Marn said.

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