The U.S. Department of Agriculture is analyzing trade data to determine whether farmers need additional aid for tariff-related losses, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said Monday.
The Trump administration previously suggested up to $12 billion in support. However, the USDA is still assessing the impact of recent trade deals with China, Southeast Asia, Pakistan, and Japan following the end of a 45-day government shutdown on Nov. 12.
China, a major buyer of U.S. soybeans, agreed to purchase 12 million metric tons by the end of 2025, but has only bought 232,000 metric tons since October. With the deadline approaching, USDA officials say the farm economy remains strained and further assistance may be considered.
Vaden’s comments came during the announcement of a second round of disaster aid through the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program.
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