USDA to review reports following delay of latest trade outlook

The US Department of Agriculture is undergoing a review of non-statutory reports including a quarterly forecast on trade that pointed to a record farming deficit.

The agriculture report, which is released on a quarterly basis, was expected to be updated on May 29. It typically shows the USDA’s estimates for exports and imports of several farm product categories as well as an analysis by the agency’s economists. A version of the report showing a trade deficit but stripped from comments and analysis was released on June 2.

“The report was hung up in internal clearance process and was not finalized in time for its typical deadline,” a USDA spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Given this report is not statutory as with many other reports USDA does, the department is undergoing a review of all of its non-statutory reports, including this one, to determine next steps.”

Trump administration officials delayed and redacted the forecast because the increased agriculture deficit ran counter to the president’s messaging that his policies will reduce US trade imbalances, according to a Politico report on Wednesday citing people familiar with the matter.

Donald Trump’s tariff policies have disrupted global markets as companies and countries navigate the potential impact. The America-first agenda has already hit crop exports, with top commodities buyer China currently having no sales on the books for US corn, soybeans or wheat to be shipped next season.

Still, American growers remain optimistic, with a gauge of US farmer sentiment by Purdue University and CME Group reaching the highest level since 2021. The survey of some 400 producers took place between May 12-16, just after the Trump administration announced “substantial progress” toward a trade deal with China.