- U.S. farm trade deficit hits record high as imports outpace exports (Bloomberg): The U.S. agricultural trade deficit reached a record high for July 2025, with imports outpacing exports by $4.97 billion—an increase of about 9% compared to July of the previous year. This sharp imbalance further escalated the sector’s overall deficit, pushing it to $33.6 billion for the first seven months of the year—an unprecedented level, according to data released yesterday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Congress moves to reauthorize Grain Standards Act, key to fair farm trade (American Ag Network): The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4550, reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act through fiscal year 2030. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) praised the bipartisan vote, calling the law essential for ensuring fair markets and reliable grading standards for farmers.
First enacted in 1916, the Act authorizes USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to set and enforce official marketing standards for crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans, and other grains and oilseeds. These standards—covering attributes like weight, damage, and foreign material—are used to assign grades and issue certificates that support both domestic and international trade. The system is largely funded through user fees, with congressional appropriations covering regulatory oversight and standards development. Thompson urged the Senate to move quickly so the bill can reach the President’s desk.