Trade Harvest

Uncle Sam is giving American farmers a little seed money.

On Monday, the Trump admin announced a $12B aid package for farmers, aiming to help those plowed over by blooming costs and withering export markets. Soybean and sorghum producers—who export nearly half of their crop to China—were hit hard this year when China imposed retaliatory tariffs in its trade war with Trump. Most of the aid, funded by tariff revenue, will be sown as a one-time payment.

The package aims to give farmers “certainty” and cull consumer frustration over rising food prices, but many farmers say well-watered markets—not government aid—will keep their storehouses full.

Meanwhile, in China, the harvest is plentiful. The trade surplus (watch Oscar explain here) in the World’s Factory topped a record $1T, underscoring a thriving export market despite Uncle Sam’s pressure.

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether your storehouses are full or empty this Christmas season, remember to keep your focus on the Giver—not the gifts—and imitate Him by exercising your generosity muscles.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 (CSB) (read full passage)