US Senator Grassley urges Trump to restrict diesel exports — The Guardian
In the United States, Republican Senator from Iowa Chuck Grassley urged President Donald Trump to impose an embargo on diesel fuel exports amid high costs for American farmers. As The Guardian reports, the politician, who mostly supports Trump, put forward the proposal in several social media posts.
Grassley proposed applying an approach similar to the embargoes of the 1970s to diesel and agricultural products. He said the government should support family farms and truck drivers amid rising fuel prices.
Farmers’ costs are rising
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average cost of diesel in the United States stood at $6.51 per gallon as of Sunday. In Iowa, the price was slightly lower at $6.31, but nearly $3 higher than a year earlier.
American farmers, who have traditionally been an important part of the Republican Party’s electorate, are expressing dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s policies. In their view, tariffs have increased the cost of fertilizers, seeds, machinery parts and other goods. The war with Iran, according to the publication, has also made operating agricultural machinery and transporting products more expensive.
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Beef imports
The Trump administration allowed the import of 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef trimmings at a reduced tariff rate, seeking to lower prices for consumers. American beef producers say the decision will intensify competition in the domestic market, where they are already facing a shrinking cattle herd.
The approach of the November midterm elections has heightened concerns among Republicans, whose support largely depends on rural voters. In particular, Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, whom the publication calls a Trump ally, has repeatedly spoken out against his tariff policy affecting farmers.
The White House referred to previous statements by Energy Secretary Doug Burgum and Jarrod Agen, executive director of the National Energy Dominance Council. They ruled out the possibility of imposing a ban on diesel, gasoline or crude oil exports, saying such a move would not lower prices.
