Montana Farmers Push Back Against Trump's Tariffs, Rally Behind Bill for Trade Stability

A 25% tax on goods coming from Canada has put Montana farmers in uncertainty and concerns for their economic well-being, since Canada is Montana’s largest trading partner .

" numerous farmers among us have either their nearest supplier or buyer located in Canada," stated Walter Schweitzer, who serves as the president of the Montana Farmers Union (MFU). told NBC Montana.

And they've been getting letters informing them that they're unsure whether they can fulfill their contracts this year due to the tariffs.

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Currently, Schweitzer’s union is pursuing legal measures and endorsing a suggested legislation. The Trade Oversight Act of 2025 —that it believes will provide some tariff relief.

‘Decades to rebuild’

As per data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Montana exports More products are shipped to Canada each year ($869 million annually) than to its subsequent seven biggest international markets.

Of those, 39% are agricultural for example, live livestock, dried pulses, and barley.

In the meantime, Montana brings in $6.8 billion worth of merchandise from Canada annually. In 2023, this included $411 million in agricultural items such as canola oil, dried legumes, mustard seeds, and wheat.

"Farmers and ranchers have dedicated years to establishing consistent markets for their goods," says Schweitzer. said In a statement, they said, "Suddenly, these arbitrary tariffs have obliterated marketplaces that will require generations to restore."

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Although his union endorses "strategic" tariffs, Schweitzer stated that those imposed by President Donald Trump do not qualify as such. He emphasized that Montana’s farmers and ranchers stand to lose billions of dollars, with crop prices already declining.

The MFU is teaming up with members of the Blackfeet Tribe to request a U.S. District Court judge for an injunction against the imposition of tariffs on Canada.

It is likewise backing a bicameral bill presently under consideration by the House Ways and Means Committee: The Trade Assessment Act of 2025 ,

The Northern Ag Network indicates that the legislation aims To "instill stability and accountability into U.S. trade policies by reinstating restrictions on the president’s power to arbitrarily enforce tariffs without congressional consent."

In what ways might the Trade Review Act provide assistance?

Should it be enacted, this legislation would mandate that President Donald Trump inform Congress within two days about any imposition or escalation of tariffs on products coming from abroad. Additionally, it necessitates an assessment of how these actions could affect the economy.

Schweitzer stated that the power to implement tariffs ought to be vested in Congress because this allows for open discussion and contributions from the public, ensuring that the advantages surpass the disadvantages.

All newly imposed tariffs would last for only 60 days (unless they were approved through a joint resolution) and Congress would have the authority to end these tariffs at any moment (by passing a joint resolution of disapproval).

This legislation might offer a method to examine—and possibly annul—tariffs that adversely affect farm products sent abroad. Additionally, it could establish a potential route for lawmakers to challenge these measures, leading to wiser and more targeted tariff policies (or even their complete elimination).

Requiring congressional approval might lessen the fluctuation that farmers face due to alternating tariff implementations. This stability is crucial because farmers base their long-term production choices on expectations of future trade conditions.

Moreover, this might aid in maintaining export markets and potentially avoid retaliatory tariffs from trade allies. Although Canada stands as Montana’s biggest trading partner, the state also engages in commerce with China, Mexico, and various European countries—all of which face tariff issues.

The executive branch has "exceeded its constitutional and statutory limits with regard to these tariffs," according to Schweitzer from MFU who stated this. "Montana's agricultural community cannot bear additional uncertainties or fiscal pressures—especially those coming unpredictably."

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The content of this article serves purely informative purposes and should not be considered advisory. No warranties of any sort are offered with regard to this material.