Crops are rotting in fields as Trump’s trade war bites US farmers

Crops are rotting in fields as Trump’s trade war bites US farmers

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American farmers are struggling to find storage for crops that would usually be sold overseas, with some being forced to leave produce rotting in fields as a last resort, as the trade conflict between the US and China continues.

Farmers in various US states, farmers are being forced into plowing their crops under — effectively burying them under soil in fields — as there is not enough storage room in storage facilities, and they are unable to sell their products thanks to Chinese tariffs, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

All grain depots and silos are almost completely full, meaning farmers have to find their own storage solutions, or allow their crops to rot. Neither option is particularly palatable.

The problem is most acute for soybean farmers. China is the largest importer of soybeans in the world, but since the start of the trade war it has slapped US soybeans with a 25% tariff, and turned to Brazil in an attempt to meet domestic demand.

Chinese purchases generally make up around 60% of all US soybean exports, but those exports have practically stopped since the tariffs were introduced.

In Louisiana, as much as 15% of this year’s soybean crop has been ploughed under, or is too damaged

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