The Demise of Free Trade: What the U.S.–China Trade War Means for North American Farmers
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Reference: Impact Farming
STREAM PODCAST LIVE
All our episodes are available on the following popular audio and video destinations:
Podcast: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / Soundcloud / IHeartRadio
The Demise of Free Trade: What the U.S.–China Trade War Means for North American Farmers
In this episode, Tracy sits down with agricultural economist, strategist, and author Michelle Klieger to discuss the shifting global trade landscape and what it means for farmers.
From the post–World War II rise of free trade to the Trump-era shift toward protectionism, Michelle breaks down how we got here, what’s really happening in the U.S.–China trade war, and how these policies are reshaping agriculture across the world.
If you’ve ever wondered what “Make America Great Again” means for farm markets — or how global trade politics directly affect the prices, policies, and opportunities farmers face — this episode is a must-listen.
💡 Episode Highlights
- Michelle’s Background & Work – Learn about Michelle’s career as an agricultural economist, strategist, and author, and the insights that led her to write The Demise of Free Trade.
- The Birth of Free Trade – How free trade became the global norm after WWII, the prosperity it created, and the hidden costs that surfaced over time.
- The Trump Shift – Why free trade began to unravel during Trump’s first term and what drove his anti-trade stance.
- Trade War 2.0 – With Trump back in office, the U.S.–China trade war is heating up again. What’s his strategy, and what’s really at stake?
- Is America Winning? – Are “Make America Great Again” policies revitalizing manufacturing and strengthening the U.S. economy — or creating more disruption than benefit?
- Farmers in the Crossfire – How American farmers are once again caught in the middle, losing markets and relying on government aid to stay afloat.
- The Global Ripple Effect – How China’s growing trade relationships with other countries (like Argentina) are reshaping global supply and demand.
- Global Oversupply & Lost Markets – Can other nations now permanently fill the gap once dominated by U.S. farmers?
- The Future of Trade – Is this protectionist era here to stay, or could a new administration reverse course?
- Preparing for the Unknown – Michelle’s advice on how farmers can adapt, prepare, and protect themselves amid shifting trade winds.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
[00:00] – Introduction
[1:33] – Meet Michelle Klieger
[3:26] – About The Demise of Free Trade
[5:50] – The Rise and Fall of Free Trade
[9:39] – Trump’s Anti-Trade Stance Explained & Trade War 2.0: What’s Driving It
[15:08] – Is the U.S. Benefiting from MAGA Trade Policies?
[19:00] – Farmers in the Crossfire
[27:52] – Tracy’s 101 Trade & Tariff Question
[32:00] – Why Canola, Seafood & Pork in Canada?
[43:00] – Tariffs Have Typically Been a Democratic Party Tool
[26:55] – Global Oversupply and Lost Markets
[35:00] – Is De-Globalization Here to Stay?
[38:00] – Tariffs & Free Trade Agreements are So Complicated Now
[41:20] – Consumers Angry About Bailouts. Is Aid Justified?
[43:10] – We Need to Reduce Dependency on Exports
[48:00] – How Farmers Can Prepare
[59:00] – Where to Find Michelle and Her Work
...............................
🤝Connect with Michelle Klieger:
🌐 Website: https://www.stratagerm.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleklieger/
🎙️ Podcast: "The Grower & The Economist" – https://www.stratagerm.com/thegate
📖 Book: "The Demise of Free Trade" – available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/Demise-Free-Trade-U-S-China-Explained-ebook
...............................
Thank You to our Show Sponsor
Here at The Impact Farming Show, our goal is to bring our audience the people and ideas that will IMPACT their farming operation. We couldn't do it without the continued support of our sponsors that are committed to supporting our show and our shared vision of helping farmers succeed.
Please take a moment to check out this week's show sponsor: Black Earth A WestMet Group Company
Black Earth: The Global Leader in Humic Innovation
Pure Humalite. Proven Results. Sustainable Growth.
At Black Earth, we harness the power of Humalite, the world’s purest source of humic substances, to enhance soil health, boost crop yields, and drive sustainability in agriculture and industry. Learn More
...............................
About the Guest:
Michelle KliegerAgricultural Economist, Strategist, Author, President & Founder | Stratagerm Consulting
Michelle Klieger founded Stratagerm Consulting, in 2018, to develop and execute solutions to the challenges that companies, governments, and consumers face. Ms. Klieger combines her unique agricultural experience, education, and passion to tackle business challenges with strategic, market-based solutions.
Farmers, agricultural businesses, consumers, and governments make decisions that maximize their welfare. By understanding the drivers that influence these decisions, Ms. Klieger works with business leaders, non-profit organizations, philanthropic foundations, and governments to achieve the outcomes they want.
...............................
📤Subscribe & Share:
If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in agriculture policy, sustainability, or the future of food.
Sign Up for Impact Farming Alerts:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to sign up as an Insider so that you are first to know about all-new Impact Farming episodes, Expert Corner Segments, fantastic contests, and new promotions https://www.farmmarketer.com/impact_farming_show/sign-up
...............................
* Disclaimer - As always, this information is not intended to provide business or medical advice. To ensure that your own circumstances have been properly considered and that action is taken based on the latest information available, you should obtain professional advice from qualified business or medical professionals before acting on any of the information in this post.
...............................
The Impact Farming Show
Welcome to Impact Farming, Farm Marketer's video and audio show dedicated to helping Canadian farmers excel in the business of farming. Our goal with this show is to introduce our audience to the people and ideas that are going to make an IMPACT on their farming operation.
Show Host - Tracy Brunet
CEO of Farm Marketer
.jpg)
Tracy and her husband are cattle ranchers in South East, Manitoba. As host of the show, primary producer and agvocate, Tracy is passionate about helping farmers succeed in the business of farming.
In each episode, Tracy chats with today's most successful farm advisors and industry leaders to bring our audience the best and most important ideas.
Connect with Tracy Brunet - Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Linked in
.....................