---
title: "Federal Update: Peat Moss and Trade Concerns"
description: Trump’s 30-day tariff pause may benefit peat moss. TNLA is pushing for long-term solutions and industry protections while monitoring D.C. changes.
image: https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/hubfs/Featured%20Image%20Concept___Central%20Focus_%20Peat%20moss%20(either%20loose%2c%20in%20bags%2c%20or%20being%20used%20in%20horticulture).__Visual%20Elements___Overlay%20of%20trade-related%20icons%20such%20as%20shipping%20containers%2c%20import_export%20arrows%2c%20or.jpg
---
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# Federal Update: Peat Moss and Trade Concerns
7 March 2025
[Curtis Smith, TNLA Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/author/curtis-smith-tnla-director-of-legislative-regulatory-affairs)
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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.**
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