The U.S. will continue to pursue other trade openings during expected months of talks to modernize NAFTA. Major new bilateral deals may have to await the conclusion of NAFTA talks. U.S. agriculture has one eye on protecting years of gains under NAFTA, but the other on U.S. efforts to expand ag trade elsewhere, after President Trump ditched TPP.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told lawmakers in June, the administration will pursue all means to expand exports.
President Trump this week signed a memorandum to direct a review of whether the U.S. should bring a trade investigation against China over intellectual property practices. The U.S. is already looking at Chinese barriers to U.S. ag trade.
But what about doing new bilateral trade deals? Former USDA trade adviser Paul Drazek is skeptical.
The biggest, Japan, is now hesitant.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pressed the Japanese legislature to ratify TPP last year, only to be let down by the U.S. when it finally withdrew. Now, Japan is pursuing its own TPP with the remaining partners to the deal.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.
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