Farmers rally behind Trump's trade policies as confidence and investment surge, barometer shows

By lauraharris // 2025-05-12

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70 percent of American farmers back President Trump's tariffs, believing they level the playing field for U.S. agriculture, with rising confidence reflected in increased investment and financial optimism.
U.S. manufacturers, including steel and mold producers, praise Trump's tariffs for curbing unfair foreign competition (notably from China) and driving reshoring of production, leading to job growth and domestic demand.
The U.S. economy shows robust signs of success, with manufacturing expanding at its fastest pace since 2004, employment rising and wages/bonuses increasing.
A new U.K. trade agreement has further strengthened farmer confidence by opening export markets, while industrial leaders report a surge in reshoring inquiries and reopening of factories.
Industry leaders argue Trump's tariffs protect U.S. jobs and businesses from subsidized foreign competition, with tangible results in reinvestment, hiring and long-term sector resilience.

American farmers and agricultural producers are voicing strong support for President Donald Trump's trade policies, crediting his tariff strategy with revitalizing the sector and restoring confidence in the U.S. economy. According to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, about 70 percent of farmers back the tariffs imposed by the current administration, viewing them as essential to leveling the playing field for American agriculture. This optimism is translating into tangible investment growth, with one in four farmers reporting that now is the right time to make major financial commitments. (Related: Trump's 25% auto tariffs shake industry, but Tesla stands strong.) The Farm Capital Investment Index, a key measure of farmer confidence, has surged to its highest level since May 2021, signaling renewed faith in the agricultural economy. Additionally, the Farm Financial Performance Index has remained above 100 for four consecutive months, indicating that producers expect equal or better financial results this year compared to 2023. Recent developments, including a major trade deal with the United Kingdom, have further bolstered optimism. The agreement is expected to open new markets for American agricultural exports, providing farmers with expanded opportunities abroad. With agricultural investment rising and confidence at a multi-year high, the sector is poised for a potential resurgence – if these policies remain in place. As debates over trade and national security intensify, one thing is clear: American farmers are betting on Trump's vision for a fairer global marketplace.

American businesses rally behind Trump's tariffs to save manufacturing

The agricultural sector is not alone in its endorsement of Trump's trade approach. Manufacturers have similarly praised Trump's tariff approach, and investors have propelled U.S. stocks to 25-year highs amid expectations of continued economic expansion under a potential second Trump term. From steel forges to mold makers, industry leaders are reporting a surge in domestic demand, re-shoring opportunities and renewed optimism –proof, they say, that Trump's tariffs are delivering on their promise to put American workers first. For decades, American manufacturers have faced an uneven global playing field, with countries like China flooding markets with artificially cheap, subsidized goods. Now, Trump's tariffs on steel, aluminum and other critical industries are forcing companies to rethink offshoring – and bringing business back home. Will Walker, president of Wisconsin-based Walker Forge, a third-generation family business, praised the administration's stance: "This is the first time in generations that we have a President who puts American manufacturing first. That's what these tariffs do – put America first. The tariffs send a clear message that companies cannot undercut our U.S. industrial base anymore." Many manufacturers argue that foreign competitors, particularly China, benefit from lax labor laws, heavy subsidies and environmental shortcuts, allowing them to undercut U.S. producers. Mike Hetherington, president of Franchino Mold & Engineering in Michigan, put it bluntly: "I can buy a complete injection mold from China for less than it costs me to purchase the raw materials to build it here in the United States." Similar sentiments were echoed by Ben Huffman, CEO of ELLWOOD in Pennsylvania, a 115-year-old steel manufacturer. The impact is tangible. TK Mold & Engineering in Michigan reported a sudden spike in re-shoring inquiries, with three new requests for domestic production in just three days. Industrial Molds, Inc. in Illinois is now hiring after tariffs prompted customers to shift supply chains back to the U.S. As factories ramp up production and workers return to long-dormant plants, the message from America's industrial heartland is clear: Trump's trade policies are working. With manufacturing expanding at its fastest rate since 2004, the administration's strategy appears to be paying off – proving that, for American industry, fairness in trade isn't just policy. It's survival. Trump.news has more stories about President Donald Trump's tariffs. Watch the video below for a discussion about the historical impact of Trump's tariff diplomacy.

This video is from the Trending News channel on Brighteon.com.

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American businesses rally behind Trump's tariffs to save manufacturing

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