Tariffs, Trade & Taters: A Deep Dive from Washington, D.C.

2.25.25 – Washington, D.C. – The evolving landscape of agricultural trade took center stage at the National Potato Council’s Washington Summit, where industry leaders and policymakers gathered to discuss critical trade issues affecting American farmers. Reporting from the event, Lane Nordlund, host of The LaneCast Ag Podcast, sat down with Matt Lantz of Bryant Christie Inc. to explore the complexities of international trade, tariffs, and new market opportunities.

In today’s global market, trade policies are constantly evolving. Lantz highlighted how the traditional frameworks of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Most Favored Nation agreements have given way to more transactional and bilateral agreements.

“We’re in a whole new world of trade,” Lantz explained. “There was a time when global agreements lifted all boats, but now individual trade deals with countries like Korea and Australia are shaping the future. The Trump administration introduced a new approach by leveraging tariffs, and now we’re in a wait-and-see mode regarding how these strategies will play out.”

The uncertainty surrounding tariffs is creating challenges and opportunities alike. With a potential for tariffs to both open and restrict markets, Lantz emphasized the need for agricultural stakeholders to stay proactive.

WATCH: The LaneCast Ag Podcast with Matt Lantz below. 

One of the most closely watched trade relationships is with Mexico, particularly for U.S. potato farmers. After nearly 30 years of negotiations, fresh U.S. potatoes gained access to the Mexican market, only for ongoing political and trade disputes to create further uncertainty.

“Our trade partners in Mexico want U.S. potatoes, and we continue to ship daily,” Lantz said. “But any new tariffs or retaliatory measures could disrupt that progress. We’re keeping a close watch on potential policy shifts.”

Despite challenges in some markets, other trade opportunities are emerging. One success story has been China, where years of negotiations resulted in fresh U.S. potatoes gaining access for the first time under the Trump administration.

“If you have a long-standing trade issue that’s been stalled, now is the time to bring it back to the table,” Lantz advised. “With so many global shifts happening, there may be opportunities to unlock new markets.”

As the Trump Administration continues to navigate trade policy, many in the agricultural sector are urging a stronger push for new trade agreements. Lantz noted that while Mexico, China, and India are major focal points, emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa could provide new opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports.

“We’re living in interesting times,” Lantz concluded. “Where we’ll be in two years could look very different from where we are today. Our job is to navigate these choppy waters and ensure that American agriculture remains competitive in the global market.”

Source: LaneCast Ag Podcast