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USDA invests in HPAI research amid egg shortage…USDA is committing up to $100 million to research new therapeutics and vaccines for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), as part of a broader $1 billion effort to combat the disease and stabilize egg prices. To address the ongoing egg shortage, the U.S. has significantly increased egg imports from Turkey, with 2025 imports expected to be nearly six times higher than last year’s 71 million eggs. The U.S. will also begin importing more eggs from South Korea, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said on a call with industry groups and reporters. South Korea joins Turkey and Brazil among nations sending more eggs to the U.S. as part of the Trump administration’s effort to drive down egg prices. USDA has reached out to Denmark and other European countries to explore the possibility of importing eggs, but no imports have begun yet. The Danish Egg Association has expressed openness to exporting eggs but noted significant challenges, including strict hygiene regulations and a global egg shortage.
Facts and figures: South Korea has recently begun exporting eggs to the U.S. for the first time, with Gyerim Farm shipping 20 tons to Georgia. Turkey is also significantly increasing its egg exports to the U.S., planning to send 420 million eggs this year. Additionally, Brazil has seen a surge in egg exports to the U.S., with a 57.5% increase in February compared to the previous year.
Bottom line: This dual approach — investing in HPAI research and expanding egg imports — aims to strengthen the poultry industry and improve market stability. Despite these efforts, egg prices remain elevated, though Rollins believes the industry has passed the most challenging phase of the crisis. The U.S. continues to seek additional international suppliers to further stabilize the market and lower prices for consumers.
EU delays tariffs until mid-April on U.S. goods for negotiations…The European Union has postponed the imposition of tariffs on U.S. goods originally set for April 1, including the reinstatement of suspended tariffs on $4.9 billion worth of products like corn. A second batch, totaling $19.5 billion, was scheduled for April 13. European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic stated that the delay allows time for negotiations with the U.S. and alignment of both tariff lists. The EU’s measures were in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Serious negotiations are expected to commence after April 2, when new U.S. tariffs are set to take effect. The EU said it remains open to discussions to prevent further trade escalations.
Trump’s reciprocal tariff plan faces legal hurdles…President Trump’s plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on April 2 aims to counter perceived trade imbalances by matching tariffs imposed by other nations on U.S. exports. The strategy seeks to protect domestic industries and reduce the trade deficit, but its legal basis is uncertain.
While Congress holds constitutional authority over tariffs, past laws have delegated some power to the executive branch. Trump may rely on statutes like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), though its use for trade rather than national emergencies is untested. The Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934 allows trade negotiations but does not explicitly authorize unilateral tariffs.
Legal challenges could arise over the president’s authority, the lack of congressional approval, and potential violations of international trade agreements. Courts may need to decide whether trade imbalances qualify as a national emergency under IEEPA and whether the plan aligns with U.S. commitments under the WTO. Given the novel legal arguments involved, Trump’s tariff strategy is likely to face significant judicial scrutiny.
Texas farmers to receive $280 million in aid amid U.S./Mexico water dispute…USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced $280 million in economic aid for South Texas farmers impacted by Mexico’s slow water deliveries under a 1944 treaty. The funds, pushed by Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), were included in Congress’ stopgap funding bill and will be distributed by Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller. Texas lawmakers, including De La Cruz and Sen. Ted Cruz, have been pressing for enforcement measures as water shortages have devastated local agriculture, shutting down the state’s last sugar mill and threatening the citrus industry. Rollins warned that President Trump is prepared to take punitive action if Mexico does not comply. Some lawmakers advocate for diplomatic solutions, while others call for sanctions or withholding U.S. funds to pressure Mexico into meeting its treaty obligations.
Former Trump energy official returns to DOE for renewable research…Angelos Kokkinos, a former top official in the Department of Energy’s fossil office under President Trump, has rejoined the DOE as a senior adviser in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Kokkinos, who recently served as a judge for the Elon Musk Foundation’s XPrize carbon removal competition, will oversee research and development efforts to advance renewable energy and efficiency technologies. His return aligns with a trend of EERE leadership, including office chief Audrey Robertson, having backgrounds in fossil fuel industries.
Canada’s January potash exports hit a record as U.S. buyers anticipated tariffs…a trend that may extend with the Trump administration’s policy still fluid, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.
Background on potash exports
Canada’s position: Canada is the world’s largest exporter of potash, accounting for just over 41% of global exports. The majority of its exports come from Saskatchewan, making it a crucial player in the global potash market.
U.S. dependence: The U.S. relies heavily on Canadian potash, importing over 80% of its needs from Canada. This reliance makes the U.S. particularly vulnerable to changes in Canadian export policies or U.S. tariffs.
Impact of U.S. tariffs
Tariff implementation: The Trump administration implemented a 25% tariff on Canadian potash imports, which was later reduced to 10%. This move was part of broader trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
Market response: As noted, the anticipation of tariffs led U.S. buyers to stockpile Canadian potash, contributing to the record exports in January. This stockpiling was a strategic move to secure supplies before tariffs took effect.
Canadian lumber firms eye U.S. amid tariff threat…President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian lumber could drive more producers to relocate operations to the U.S. South while prompting efforts to tap alternate markets, industry experts say, according to Reuters. The proposed 25% tariff — combined with existing duties of 14.54% — could push levies to 40%.
Canadian firms have increasingly shifted to the U.S. South due to lower costs and looser harvesting regulations. The region surpassed Canada in softwood lumber capacity in 2022 and is expected to expand further. However, efforts to redirect supplies to Asia face logistical challenges.
Meanwhile, rising lumber costs could drive up U.S. home prices, with analysts warning of short-term financial pain for the industry.
EU to cut Ukrainian sugar imports amid farmer protests…The European Commission is set to significantly reduce sugar imports from Ukraine following complaints from EU farmers about falling prices, sources told Reuters. Initially, Brussels granted Ukraine free access to agricultural markets as support after Russia’s 2022 invasion. However, pressure from farmers has led to a rollback in policies. EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen discussed the planned cuts with French farm unions in February, saying imports would drop “well below” current levels. Ukrainian Deputy Economy Minister Taras Kachka urged a “fair deal” and warned against reverting to outdated trade terms. The EU previously reintroduced quotas on Ukrainian sugar, but imports still surged, contributing to a 30% drop in European sugar prices last year.