The Demise of Free Trade: What the U.S.–China Trade War Means for North American Farmers

In this episode, Tracy sits down with agricultural economist, strategist, and author Michelle Klieger to discuss the shifting global trade landscape and what it means for farmers. From the post–World War II rise of free trade to the Trump-era shift toward protectionism, Michelle breaks down how we got here, what's really happening in the U.S.–China trade war, and how these policies are reshaping agriculture across the world. If you've ever wondered what "Make America Great Again" means for farm markets — or how global trade politics directly affect the prices, policies, and opportunities farmers face — this episode is a must-listen. 💡 Episode Highlights - Michelle's Background & Work – Learn about Michelle's career as an agricultural economist, strategist, and author, and the insights that led her to write The Demise of Free Trade. - The Birth of Free Trade – How free trade became the global norm after WWII, the prosperity it created, and the hidden costs that surfaced over time. - The Trump Shift – Why free trade began to unravel during Trump's first term and what drove his anti-trade stance. – Are "Make America Great Again" policies revitalizing manufacturing and strengthening the U.S. economy — or creating more disruption than benefit? - Farmers in the Crossfire – How American farmers are once again caught in the middle, losing markets and relying on government aid to stay afloat. - The Global Ripple Effect – How China's growing trade relationships with other countries (like Argentina) are reshaping global supply and demand. - Global Oversupply & Lost Markets – Can other nations now permanently fill the gap once dominated by U.S. farmers? - The Future of Trade – Is this protectionist era here to stay, or could a new administration reverse course? - Preparing for the Unknown – Michelle's advice on how farmers can adapt, prepare, and protect themselves amid shifting trade winds. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 1:33 – Meet Michelle Klieger 3:26 – About The Demise of Free Trade 5:50 – The Rise and Fall of Free Trade 9:39 – Trump's Anti-Trade Stance Explained & Trade War 2.0: What's Driving It 15:08 – Is the U.S. Benefiting from MAGA Trade Policies? 19:00 – Farmers in the Crossfire 27:52 - Tracy's 101 Trade & Tariff Question 32:00 - Why Canola, Seafood & Pork in Canada? 43:00 - Tariffs Have Typically Been a Democratic Party Tool 26:55 – Global Oversupply and Lost Markets 35:00 – Is De-Globalization Here to Stay? 38:00 - Tariffs & Free Trade Agreements are So Complicated Now 41:20 - Consumers Angry About Bailouts. Is Aid Justified?  43:10 - We Need To Reduce Dependancy on Exports 48:00 – How Farmers Can Prepare 59:00 – Where to Find Michelle and Her Work Thanks for tuning in, Tracy ============================= ✅ About The Impact Farming Show: Produced by Farm Marketer. Farm Marketer is a Canadian digital media company specializing in publishing agriculture content that matters most to Canadian farmers: news, commodities, agriculture events, agriculture real estate for sale, and much more.  Farm Marketer is also the proud producer of the award-winning agriculture show The Impact Farming Show. This weekly video and podcast show is dedicated to introducing farmers to the people and ideas that will impact their farming operations. Join show host Tracy Brunet as she speaks to top minds and change makers about what's currently IMPACTING agriculture.    ================================= 🔎 Related Phrases: Impact Farming Show, Agriculture Podcast, Tracy Brunet, Farm Business, The Demise of Free Trade, Michelle Klieger, Deglobalization, Agriculture Tariffs, Farm Crisis, Farm Finance, Farm Management, Sustainable Farming, Farming Tips, Farm Business Management, Farming Success, Wealth Management for Farmers, Farm Funding Solutions, Agricultural Finance, Farming Innovations, Farm Financial Solutions, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Farming, Farmers, Family Farm, Farm Life #FarmBusiness #FarmFinance #FarmManagement #SustainableFarming  #FarmingTips #FarmBusinessManagement #FarmingSuccess #Tariffs  #FarmLife #Agriculture #Farming #Farmer #Ranchers  #Agribusiness  #Familyfarm #Farmstories #Familyfarming #Familyfarms #Familyfarmers #Agloans #Agribusiness #Agricultureworldwide #Agriculturemachinery #Agriculturejobs #Farminglife #Organicfarming  ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research.  Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of The Impact Farming Show: Produced by Farm Marketer. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided.  © The Impact Farming Show: Produced by Farm Marketer