Trade war slashes cotton exports; Arizona growers say aid won’t fix losses easily

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona cotton growers say they are paying the price of the ongoing trade war, with exports plunging nearly 90% this year and many family farms facing uncertain futures.

Despite being eligible for President Donald Trump’s multi-billion-dollar farm aid package, local growers and the Arizona Cotton Growers Association say one-time payments will not immediately repair widespread losses.

“We have growers that are considering maybe not growing at all,” said Arizona Cotton Growers Association Executive Director Jadee Rohner, describing producers as largely small, family-run operations that have been passed down through generations. “A lot of them are saying, ‘Go to school and find something else to do.’”

The association says nearly all Arizona cotton historically has been exported to major customers such as China. But as tariffs and trade disputes have taken hold, exports dropped this year from several million to a few thousand barrels, officials said. At the same time, cotton prices have fallen to about 20 cents below the level at which growers say is profitable.

“Farmers do not want to rely on government assistance; they don’t wake up in the morning hoping for a government payout,” Rohner said. “But rising input costs have strained margins.”

Costs to operate cotton farms have risen sharply over the past three decades. The association estimates expenses have roughly quadrupled in the last 35 years, with increases in equipment, diesel fuel and labor costs.

Some growers estimate tariffs have reduced their exports by 25% or more, prompting more producers to consider leaving the industry. Rohner said the fallout could extend beyond farms, noting cotton is used in everyday goods and U.S. brands rely on domestic supplies.

“The dollar bills that are in your wallet — your 20s, your fives, your singles — those are made of cotton,” Rohner said. “We want to look at a fair market, we want a level playing field, and we want to be able to market the high-quality product and showcase why it’s special.”

The Arizona Cotton Growers Association hopes the Buy American Cotton Act, bipartisan legislation to encourage U.S. brands and retailers to use American cotton, will be introduced in the House early next year and help shore up demand.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s farm aid payments are expected to arrive by February.

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