Congressman Don Davis Urges Trump Administration to Deliver Relief for Tobacco Farmers Amid Ongoing Market Losses

In his letter, Davis highlighted that China has historically been the largest buyer of U.S. flue-cured tobacco, purchasing between 60–65 million pounds annually. The recent withdrawal of Chinese buyers has left nearly 60 million pounds of unsold tobacco and threatens to erase more than $220 million in export value.

 

Davis called on the administration to ensure that flue-cured tobacco farmers receive equitable consideration in any relief programs developed to offset harm from international trade disputes. He urged coordination between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office to provide the necessary authority for targeted relief. 

 

“When our farmers lose access to markets through no fault of their own, it threatens not only their livelihoods but the entire rural economy,” said Congressman Don Davis. “We must ensure that tobacco growers, who produce one of North Carolina’s highest-quality, most-traceable crops, receive the same fair treatment as other producers. Standing up for our farm families is about standing up for eastern North Carolina’s future.”