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Fact check: Is Tyson closing down more plants due to the tariffs?

Checked on August 10, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there is no evidence supporting the claim that Tyson is closing down more plants due to tariffs. In fact, the evidence suggests the opposite narrative:

  • Tyson's CEO Donnie King explicitly stated that the company does not see a material impact from tariffs on their business, specifically regarding beef, pork, and chicken operations [1]
  • One source directly contradicts tariff-related concerns, indicating that Tyson Foods hasn't seen 'material' impact from Trump tariffs while their consumer protein push has actually lifted results [1]
  • Tyson Foods raised its full-year revenue forecast after posting stronger-than-expected third-quarter results, suggesting financial health rather than distress [2]

While Tyson has indeed closed plants recently, the closures are attributed to factors such as bird flu outbreaks, recalls, and cattle shortages - not tariffs [3]. The company had previously closed four chicken plants two years ago, but this was not linked to tariff impacts [1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context:

  • Tyson's recent financial performance has been positive, with the company raising revenue forecasts and posting stronger-than-expected results [2]
  • The company's leadership has publicly dismissed tariff concerns, with CEO Donnie King making clear statements about the lack of material impact [1]
  • Plant closures in the food processing industry are common and typically driven by operational factors like disease outbreaks, supply chain issues, or facility recalls rather than trade policy [3]

Alternative viewpoints that could benefit from promoting tariff-related closure narratives:

  • Political opponents of tariff policies who would benefit from demonstrating negative economic impacts
  • Labor unions seeking to highlight job losses and attribute them to trade policies
  • Competitors in the protein industry who might benefit from negative publicity around Tyson

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit assumption that may constitute misinformation - it presupposes that Tyson is closing plants due to tariffs without establishing this as fact. This framing could mislead readers into believing:

  • That tariffs are having a significant negative impact on Tyson's operations
  • That plant closures are increasing due to trade policy rather than normal business operations
  • That the food processing industry is struggling under tariff pressure

The question appears to be based on outdated or inaccurate information, as the most recent evidence shows Tyson explicitly stating that tariffs are not materially affecting their business [1]. This type of leading question could perpetuate false narratives about the relationship between trade policy and corporate decisions in the food industry.

Want to dive deeper?
How have US tariffs affected Tyson's international meat sales?
Which Tyson plants have been closed or reduced in production since 2020?
What role do tariffs play in Tyson's business strategy for 2025?
How do Tyson's competitors handle tariff-related challenges in the meat industry?
What is the current US trade policy on meat imports and exports?