Comment – What happens over there…
I’m pretty useless at calling election results, as I watch through slightly agriculturally tinted spectacles from afar.
Predicting the US presidential election results is way beyond my limited resources. But, (of course there’s a but), with over 80% of the US population being classified as urban, that still leaves almost 20% as country folk.
This matters, as presidential hopeful Donald J Trump has just mentioned that he will slap 200% tariffs on all John Deere imports to the States if they shift any more production to Mexico. Remember he relaxed tariffs during his 17-21 presidential term with China in return for $50 Billion of US agricultural product sales into China, this didn’t happen.
My questions are:
- Is the presidential candidate effectively sticking up two fingers at US farmers, or will they accept paying more for their favourite tractors and combines, in return for some domestic market protection?
- Given his deal in the last term with China, which didn’t really happen.. How do the farmers/rural voters feel about him now?
Why is this relevant to UK ag? Keep an eye on the chancellor before the budget and the forthcoming UK Government hosted investment summit in a week or so’s time.
Right, thats enough politics (ss if we can do anything about them anyway)…
Have a good week.
Andy
The link is here: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-john-deere-will-be-hit-with-200-tariffs-if-production-moves-mexico-2024-09-23/
