Tariffs not negatively affecting ag exports in South Dakota, yet

In the past few months, the United States federal government has levied tariffs on a variety of products from multiple countries. Some of those tariffs have been raised, some lowered and some postponed while negotiations take place.

With South Dakota located in the middle of the country, the impact of implementing tariffs can seem “far away”– especially when talking about countries separated from the U.S. by large bodies of water.

State Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hunter Roberts says South Dakota may be land-locked, but we do export a lot of ag products.

Roberts says, so far, the negative impact of the tariff talks on South Dakota ag products has been “pretty limited.”

Although tariffs against China are in effect, Roberts sees two reasons why those aren’t hitting very hard– yet.

Roberts does see some light at the end of the tariff tunnel.

On Thursday (May 8, 2025), United States President Donald Trump said a trade agreement was reached with the United Kingdom. The agreement will open up the British market to American beef, ethanol and other agricultural products, and will give British cars and steel better access to U.S. consumers. The specific details of the agreement are still being worked out.