Federal Update: Peat Moss and Trade Concerns
You may have seen that President Trump has announced another 30-day pause on tariffs for "USMCA-compliant goods" coming from Canada and Mexico. Under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), products qualify for trade benefits if they are entirely made in one of the three countries or meet strict regional value standards—usually 75% or higher. Based on these criteria, peat moss should qualify for this 30 day pause on tariffs, though TNLA members should talk to their suppliers for confirmation.
This latest pause is a positive sign, but it is not permanent. We are continuing to push for long-term solutions, and momentum is building. Just this week, House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) specifically raised the importance of peat moss with the White House:
“I absolutely am weighing in … things like potash, nitrogen, I’d throw peat moss in there, too, because that’s important to horticulture and mushroom growers,” Thompson said in a Politico article. “I’m not bashful about weighing in with the White House. I got a great relationship with everyone, including the president. The worst thing that can happen is they’ll say no.”
What happens next?
We are working with a coalition of partners who have sent letters to key leaders, including:
- The House and Senate Agriculture Committees
- The House Ways and Means Committee
- The Senate Finance Committee
- President Trump and Vice President Vance
Our message is clear:
✅ Exclude sphagnum peat moss and peat-based products from any tariffs, or
✅ Grant peat moss "critical mineral" status, which could protect it from future trade restrictions.
In the meantime, things remain extremely fluid at the federal level. The situation in Washington, D.C., is being described as chaotic, with many industries scrambling to protect their supply chains from unexpected tariffs.
TNLA is working hard to protect our industry’s access to critical materials like peat moss, and we will keep you updated every step of the way.
