Iowa farmers brace for tough harvest as trade war cuts off key markets

As harvest season ramps up across Iowa, farmers are facing one of the most challenging years in recent memory. With China no longer buying American soybeans, the state’s number one crop is taking a direct hit, leaving producers with few options and mounting concerns about the future.

Since May, China has completely halted soybean purchases from the United States. The move, in response to the Trump administration’s tariffs, has sent shockwaves through rural communities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, U.S. farm exports to China fell nearly 40 percent, with Iowa producers among the hardest hit.

The strain comes at a time when farmers are already struggling with higher costs. Machinery, fertilizer, and feed prices continue to climb, further squeezing family operations.

Global competitors are also stepping in to fill the gap. Argentina recently removed export taxes, giving their farmers an advantage in selling soybeans to China — once a key market for U.S. producers.

Adding to the challenge, Iowa farmers are bracing for labor shortages during harvest. Experts warn that ongoing deportation crackdowns and a shrinking pool of seasonal workers will only deepen the strain on rural communities.

With exports down, costs up, and fewer workers in the fields, many Iowa farmers say they’re just hoping to break even this year and wondering how long they can hold on if trade tensions continue.