IDAHO WHEAT COMMISSION

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Unsettled Tariff Situation Disrupts Transportation

Transportation, a cornerstone of the U.S. agricultural and food industries, is under strain due to ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade disruptions. New levies, retaliatory tariffs, and port fees have slowed imports of key food inputs—such as grains, oils, sweeteners, and packaging—raising costs across the supply chain. Ocean freight and trucking have been hit hard, with price volatility expected to push costs onto consumers. Domestic rail has remained a reliable and cost-effective mode for moving agricultural products, offering stability amid the chaos. The broader uncertainty surrounding trade policies and transportation infrastructure is causing industry-wide anxiety, making it difficult for producers, manufacturers, and shippers to plan ahead.