America’s farmers need a swift resolution to the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a letter to President Trump. The six-year downturn in farm prices that has produced “near-unprecedented economic uncertainty and hardship” is worsening as a result of Chinese tariffs, he wrote. “U.S. farmers and ranchers now face …
Perdue Urging Japan to Reach a Quick Trade Deal
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says President Trump is looking forward to a trade deal with Japan “sooner rather than later.” The website FXStreet.com says Perdue called on Japan to quickly strike a trade deal with Washington that would cover farm products and a host of other goods. Perdue says the two countries can’t kick the trade can down the road …
U.S. and China Increase Tariffs, No Deal From Talks
China trade talks continued last week but ended with very little progress and an increase in current tariffs. The U.S. and China were meeting last week to talk about the ongoing trade dispute between the two nations. Reports claim that very little was accomplished during the meetings however the indication is they didn’t go wrong. Some officials were surprised talks …
Western Hemisphere Agriculture Leaders on Food Security and Ag Trade
Western Hemisphere agriculture leaders met on the margins of the G-20 Agricultural Ministerial in Niigata, Japan, affirming their intent to work together to champion global food security and agricultural trade on the basis of sound science and risk analysis principles. Following the meeting, top agricultural officials from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the United States issued the following statement. “Together, …
U.S. Beef Exports to Egypt Face Potential Obstacle
Egypt is the second-largest market for U.S. beef variety meat behind Mexico. But effective May 1st, the government of Egypt started recognizing only one approved halal certifier. Joe Schuele with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has more details.
Trump Says Tariffs on China to Increase
Trade officials from China are in Washington, DC this week as the Trump administration places further pressure on China to reach an agreement with the United States. Trump will increase tariffs on China Friday, saying talks between the two nations are going too slowly. On Twitter, Trump states he will increase tariffs on $200 billion of goods from 10 to …
Outlook for May China Agreement Positive
Optimism is growing that the U.S. and China could wrap up a trade agreement this month. Trade officials from the U.S. and China concluded talks in Beijing Wednesday with another critical round scheduled for next week in the United States. The Trump administration has appeared to be ready to walk away if an agreement isn’t reached soon. However, Treasury Secretary …
How ASF affects U.S. Pork Trade with China
There are no vaccines yet for African Swine Fever (ASF), but scientists are working to develop one. Of course ASF continues to be a major issue in China, and USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach says he sees a recent uptick in Chinese demand for U.S. pork for that reason.
Congress Returns with Push for USMCA
Lawmakers are returning to Washington this week with a renewed industry push to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Following the International Trade Commission Report, few steps remain to reach implementation. Vice President Mike Pence touted the deal during a stop in Michigan last week, and a road tour from Farmers for Free Trade crossed the country building support for passage …
Deadline Extended for Producers to Certify 2018 Crop Production for MFP Payments
USDA extended the deadline to May 17 from May 1 for agricultural producers to certify 2018 crop production for payments through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which helps producers who have been significantly affected by foreign tariffs, resulting in the loss of traditional exports. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) extended the deadline because heavy rainfall and snowfall have delayed harvests …