The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is tracking some distressing trends.
In 2024, the state set a new ag-related products export record, generating $3 billion. So far this year, with federally imposed tariffs, Michigan farm exports are depressed.
“We’re seeing in real time that some of these established trading relationships with our largest trading partners; China, Canada, Mexico, those continue to be fraught with a lot of questions here of what the stability of those relationships might be.”
That’s Dr. Tim Boring, Executive Director of MDARD. He says the sense that the U.S. is no longer a reliable trading partner. Global competitors are looking to take over market share.
“And that’s really concerning long-term for the future of Michigan agriculture.”
The state report site, Michigan soybean meal exports ‘dropped by over $62 million, or 46 percent, in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.’
Grains like wheat exports were also depressed 89 percent. Michigan fruit growers are also feeling the squeeze, fresh cherry exports dropped 62 percent, and fresh apples fell 58 percent.
Boring says whether its row crops or fruit and vegetables most balance sheets aren’t looking positive this year and next. The question now is, have the trade flows been so altered that they could take years to restore?
