New reporting from Spectrum News highlights how the Michael Whatley-backed trade war could have “significant financial impact” on North Carolina tobacco farmers.
Whatley has refused to stand up for farmers as tariffs leave them “on edge.” Whatley has called the tariffs “record setting in terms of […] effectiveness” and supports them “wholeheartedly.”
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Spectrum News: N.C. farmers on edge after Trump-China deal leaves out tobacco
Reuben Jones | November 5, 2025
- A major industry in North Carolina remains on edge after an agriculture deal between the U.S. and China last week did not include tobacco.
- Triple B Farms in eastern North Carolina is one piece of a critical industry in North Carolina. Sixty percent of all U.S. tobacco production is from the state.
- But this summer, Brandon Batten suffered a blow when China announced it would not purchase flue-cured tobacco in the 2025 crop.
- “It’s put an incredible amount of downward pressure on the price,” Batten said. “Anywhere from 20 to 25% off of where we expected to be.”
- “I was disappointed… the fact that it wasn’t mentioned is of concern because it is huge for our state,” said Batten, who co-owns Triple B Farms. “I think just mentioning it could have moved the needle some.”
- Batten said if China doesn’t resume its purchases next year it could have a significant financial impact. He said a little more than half of the tobacco he grows goes to China.
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