COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOWO)  — Ohio farmers have seen a dramatic drop in exports to China this year, losing nearly $76 million compared to 2024, according to a report released Tuesday by Farm Flavor, a media organization that tracks agriculture trends.

The report attributes much of the decline to tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, which disrupted trade flows and created uncertainty for U.S. farmers. Soybeans, Ohio’s top export to China, were especially affected, with sales falling by 85% according to the Ohio Capital Journal.

Economists note that these tariffs have not only made U.S. goods more expensive but have also encouraged China to diversify its agricultural suppliers, strengthening trade ties with Brazil and other South American countries. This shift has created long-term challenges for American soybean producers and other farmers across the Midwest.

The report details how U.S. agricultural exports to China have fluctuated over the last decade. From 2014 to 2017, exports followed a predictable seasonal rhythm, peaking during the soybean harvest. That pattern was disrupted by the trade war in 2018, temporarily stabilized by the Phase One trade deal in 2020, but has collapsed again by 2025.

Other major U.S. agricultural products exported to China also saw significant declines this year: cotton fell 89%, beef 54%, pork 20%, wheat 100%, tree nuts 88%, dairy 2%, corn 99%, and hides and skins 34%, according to USDA data compiled by Farm Flavor.

In response, the federal government announced a $12 billion bailout for the agricultural sector. However, analysts question whether a one-time payment can offset the systemic losses caused by reduced exports and ongoing trade uncertainties.

The Farm Flavor report notes that Ohio ranks 13th among states hardest hit, highlighting the significant economic impact on local farmers and communities.