April 13, 2026

Trade Court Hears Arguments For, Against Trump’s Global Tariff

A U.S. trade court on Friday weighed the legality of President Donald Trump’s proposed 10% global tariff, a policy already facing multiple legal challenges from states and businesses. At issue is whether Trump can impose the across-the-board tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act, a rarely used provision that allows temporary import duties but has never been tested at this scale. Opponents argue the tariff exceeds presidential authority and could disrupt global trade, while government attorneys contend the measure is lawful and necessary to address trade imbalances. The case follows a February ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that struck down earlier Trump tariffs imposed under emergency powers, finding the president had overstepped his authority. During arguments, judges pressed both sides on the limits of executive power. The outcome could shape future U.S. trade policy and determine whether broad tariffs can be imposed without congressional approval.

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European Airlines Exceeding SAF Targets

European airlines likely met, and may have exceeded, the European Union’s 2% sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, target in 2025, marking a sharp turnaround from earlier concerns about supply shortages, according to industry officials. Early data suggests carriers reached or surpassed the mandate requiring SAF use at regional airports, up from roughly 0.6% the previous year. Final figures are expected later this year. Florian Guillermet, head of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, told Reuters, “We believe we will be at or even above the 2% in 2025.” The milestone comes as the EU pushes to reduce aviation emissions and reliance on traditional jet fuel. The bloc plans to raise the SAF requirement to 6% by 2030, with a portion coming from synthetic fuels. Despite the progress, airlines continue to warn that higher future targets could be difficult to meet due to limited supply and high costs, underscoring ongoing tension between climate goals and industry economics.

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Wheat Leader Joins TRUMP Mission to Vietnam

A U.S. wheat industry leader joined a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture trade mission to Vietnam, highlighting growing export opportunities during a record year for American wheat sales. The delegation, part of the Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers, or TRUMP, Mission to Vietnam, met with government officials and industry leaders to strengthen trade ties and expand market access. Vietnam has emerged as a key destination for U.S. wheat, with purchases reaching about 586,000 metric tons in the 2025-26 marketing year, up 3% from a year earlier. U.S. Wheat Associates CEO Mike Spier said the mission reinforces the importance of overseas engagement, noting it “supports increased export demand and improved returns for U.S. wheat farmers.” Vietnam’s growing middle class and rising demand for baked goods and processed foods are driving increased wheat consumption, creating long-term opportunities for U.S. exporters. Officials said continued partnerships and trade promotion efforts are critical to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the expanding Southeast Asian market.

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South Texas Farmers Fear Shortfall of Promised Mexican Water Deliveries

South Texas farmers are still waiting for confirmation of water deliveries from Mexico after a key treaty deadline passed, raising continued concerns about irrigation supplies in the region. Under a 1944 water-sharing agreement, Mexico was expected to deliver 202,000 acre-feet of water by March 31. Growers say it remains unclear how much water was actually received, with officials expected to provide an update soon. Producers say the uncertainty has already shaped planting decisions. Some farmers reduced acreage due to limited water, while others are reallocating supplies to sustain existing crops. “The problem now is I’m having to rob water from the… farm that’s not planted,” one grower told Fresh Plaza. Mexico has pledged to deliver at least 350,000 acre-feet annually under a revised agreement, though past shortfalls have strained relations. Farm groups say stronger enforcement measures may be needed as negotiations continue ahead of the next delivery deadline later this year.

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Iran Ceasefire Unlikely to Relief Fertilizer Shortages

A temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran is unlikely to resolve ongoing global fertilizer shortages, leaving U.S. farmers facing continued supply disruptions and high input costs during the spring planting season. The two-week truce includes a partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for fertilizer and energy products. While the agreement eased immediate market panic, analysts say normal shipping flows could take months to recover due to lingering risks, delays and added costs. “I don’t think this solves the problem overnight,” market analysts noted, pointing to continued uncertainty around transit conditions and fees for vessels moving through the region. The Middle East is a major supplier of nitrogen and other fertilizers, and disruptions have already tightened global supplies. Prices remain elevated, with farmers adjusting budgets and, in some cases, planting decisions. Experts warn the situation could persist well into the growing season, keeping pressure on farm margins and adding volatility to crop markets.

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Advisors Urge Farmers to Use Tax Data for Broader Financial Planning

Farm financial records can offer more than a snapshot of past performance: they can serve as a roadmap for future decisions, according to agricultural finance experts. As producers prepare tax returns for filing this week, advisors say the process provides an opportunity to evaluate profitability, manage risk and plan for long-term sustainability. A key step is ensuring farm records align with official tax documents, a process known as “matching,” which helps identify discrepancies and improve accuracy. Experts caution against letting tax strategies drive major business decisions. Instead, they recommend using tax data to assess return on investment, cash flow and operational efficiency. “Taxes shouldn’t drive a farm’s succession and estate plan,” tax advisor Polly Dobbs told Farm Journal, emphasizing the importance of broader financial planning. With tight margins and ongoing market uncertainty, producers are increasingly relying on detailed financial analysis to guide spending, borrowing and expansion decisions. Analysts say farms that treat tax preparation as a planning tool, rather than a compliance task, may be better positioned to navigate economic challenges.

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