U.S.-EU Trade Deal Applauded by Ag and Biofuel Leaders

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reached a framework trade deal between the U.S. and European Union.

On Sunday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on the social media platform X, “POTUS is taking bold action to secure FAIR trade deals for America and our farmers — and he’s delivering.”

She listed the following wins for the industry and said, “The Golden Age of Prosperity of American ag is upon us.”

• 15% tariffs on most European imports and 0% on most U.S. exports
• EU to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy, including ethanol
• …and more to reduce America’s $24 billion ag trade deficit with the EU

The deal was met with praise from groups across the agricultural industry. Here’s a closer look at reactions from leaders.

American Farm Bureau Federation

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is the nation’s largest farmer-run organization and serves farmers in all 50 states.

Following the announcement of trade deals with the EU, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia, AFBF President Zippy Duvall emphasized the importance of trade for rural America.

A Market Intel article published by AFBF Economist Faith Parum details the vital role of agricultural trade in the U.S. economy. “With more than 20% of U.S. agricultural production sold abroad, exports are a key part of this picture. On average, every dollar of agricultural exports generates $2.06 in additional economic activity within the United States.”

“Trade is essential to the success of America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Duvall. “Strong and enduring agreements help connect U.S. farmers to global markets and Farm Bureau has long been a strong advocate for leveling the playing field for American-grown products.”

Duvall continued, “We appreciate that the administration is making agriculture a priority in ongoing trade discussions. Opening new markets and working to strengthen existing partnerships will help ensure U.S. farmers can continue leading the world in producing safe, sustainable and affordable food for America’s families and families around the world.”

Growth Energy

As the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, Growth Energy is the leading voice of America’s biofuel industry. Members of the association operate and support biomanufacturing facilities at the heart of America’s bioeconomy, delivering a new generation of plant-based energy and climate solutions.

Growth Energy praised the trade deal, highlighting the agreement included that the EU would purchase “$750 billion in U.S. energy, including American-made ethanol.”

Applauding the administration for “putting rural America first in their trade negotiations,” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said, “This latest trade deal with the EU will deliver concrete benefits to the American ethanol industry and to the rural communities it supports. It has the potential to unleash a new era of transatlantic trade partnerships and to enhance what’s already one of the ethanol industry’s strongest trade relationships. We look forward to learning more details about how this agreement addresses the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that will allow the U.S. ethanol industry to build on the $420 million we exported to the EU in 2024.”

Renewable Fuels Association

Since 1981, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry.

In a press statement, RFA called the EU trade deal “an important step toward opening the market for lower-cost, American-made renewable fuels in the 27 countries represented by the EU.”

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper noted he was “encouraged to see U.S. ethanol mentioned as part of the deal” made over the weekend.

Cooper added, “As our nation’s corn growers prepare for what is likely to be a record harvest, we stand ready to produce larger volumes of cleaner-burning ethanol and valuable co-products like distillers grains for customers around the world. When markets are open and trade policies are fair, everybody wins.”

RFA noted, “The European Union has been a major importer of U.S. ethanol in recent years, ranking third with 197 million gallons imported last year. The EU’s 2024 imports of U.S. ethanol represented a 54 percent increase over 2023. When it comes to distillers grains, the EU ranked sixth last year, purchasing 684 million metric tons of U.S. product, 46% above the prior year.”

National Grain and Feed Association

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), founded in 1896, is a broad-based, non-profit trade association that represents and provides services for grain, feed, and related commercial businesses. Its activities focus on enhancing the growth and economic performance of U.S. agriculture.

The trade agreement is said to also include “key agricultural products.” In a press statement, NGFA CEO Mike Seyfert welcomed the deal.

“This is a meaningful step forward in opening one of the world’s most restrictive markets to American producers,” Seyfert said. “We are encouraged by the president’s call to diversify agricultural trade with the EU, and we look forward to ongoing discussions to build on that goal.”

The CEO added, “A stable, rules-based framework also creates an opportunity to address longstanding non-tariff trade barriers. NGFA stands ready to work with the administration to ensure the agreement is finalized and implemented in a way that delivers real results for U.S. agriculture.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

The National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898 and is the largest association of cattle producers in the United States.

“NCBA greatly appreciates the Trump Administration’s commitment to addressing the numerous non-tariff trade barriers that restrict U.S. beef access in the European Union,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “NCBA stands ready to work with President Trump in full support of securing objective, risk-based, science-based terms of trade with Europe.”

Editor’s note: Some of the previous statements have been edited and/or condensed by Successful Farming for style and clarity.