trade deal

Lighthizer Testimony: NAFTA Deal Possible in August

Dan Industry News Release, Trade

During congressional testimony on Thursday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told lawmakers that it’s entirely possible that the three North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) members will reach a deal in August. Lighthizer says that would meet the Mexican objective of having current President Enrique Pena Nieto sign the deal before he leaves office in December. Bloomberg says U.S. trade …

north

NAFTA Back in the Spotlight

Dan Industry News Release, Trade

The Mexican negotiating team is back in Washington to continue the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation after talks among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada stalled two months ago. The Mexican Economy Minister will meet with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for the first time since the Mexican presidential election on July first to formally restart the talks. A …

grain trade

European Union Agrees to Buy More U.S. Soybeans

Dan Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Soybeans, Trade

President Donald Trump and European Union leaders announced they’ve agreed to work toward “zero tariffs” and “zero subsidies” on a wide range of non-automobile goods. The sides will also work to resolve U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum which are hitting the European markets hard. In a news conference on Wednesday, the President said the EU has agreed to buy …

farm

Trade Assistance Details Still Being Worked Out

Dan Industry News Release, Trade

The Trump Administration announced its $12 billion plan to help farmers struggling under the escalating trade wars. Politico says there are still important details to be worked out, including just how much help farmers will get and how they’ll prove economic harm. More details are scheduled to come out after Labor Day. USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson says soybean farmers, …

trade advisory

Not All Reactions to Trade Assistance Are Positive

Dan Industry News Release, Trade

The President’s plan to aid farmers in the midst of the trade war is not sitting well with several groups, including a number of Republicans in Congress. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin says, “This is becoming more and more like a Soviet-style economy here with commissars in the administration figuring out where to sprinkle around benefits.” According to the Hagstrom …

grain

Perdue Announces Plan to Help Farmers Hurt by Tariffs

Dan Economy, Trade

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has unveiled what he has called his “playbook” of programs to help farmers hurt by tariffs. Gary Crawford has the details. Perdue Announces Plan to Help Farmers Hurt by Tariffs And as Gary Crawford reports, USDA’s program to help farmers hurt by trade disruptions also serves some other functions in the process. Plan to Help Farmers …

good demand

Higher Inventory and Tariffs Impacting Cattle Markets

Dan Cattle, Industry News Release, Trade

The USDA released the Cattle Inventory, July Cattle on Feed, and July Livestock Slaughter reports last week. The Cattle Inventory report provides the first real estimate of the 2018 calf crop, as well as a look at how rapidly the U.S. cattle herd is increasing. The July first all cattle and calves number was one percent higher than last year, …

alabama

McMillan Encouraged by USDA Tariff Relief Program

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release, Trade

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a plan to remedy losses sustained by American agriculture producers due to retaliatory tariffs. The $12 billion package of aid is expected to create a short-term solution to the ongoing trade negotiations. According to USDA, the funding falls in line with the estimated $11 billion impact of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural …