U.S. Midwest Farmers’ Perspectives about the Trade Dispute with China: Information Needs, Claims, Concerns, and Solutions

In 2019, sales of American agricultural products to China nearly dried up as Beijing retaliated against U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. We solicited farmers’ perceptions of risks engendered by the trade dispute through a survey of 304 corn and soybean growers in the states of Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. We found that farmers’ risk perceptions were affected more by psychometric factors. That is, they expressed fear and dread about the trade war fallout in the perceived absence of credible information regarding government plans of action, updates on trade negotiations, and expert recommendations. Findings point to the value of including farmers’ perspectives to help navigate negotiations regarding future trade disputes.