All of the talk about trade war and tariffs has put a strain on a lot of commodities in the United States. None hit as hard as agriculture. Beef exports is no exception. Everett Griner talks about beef exports to the European Union in today’s Agri View.
Beef Exports Having Problem
The export trade issue started with China. Are we forgetting the United States was the first to raise import rates. It wasn’t just China that was caught in the impact. It also hit the European Union through increases on steel and aluminum. There has been issues there that hit farmers as well as industries.
Since countries in Europe import about as much beef as anywhere else. It is something like 45 thousand tons a year. They are thinking about raising it another 30 thousand tons. Here is the kicker. There is a strong effort to split all beef markets 3 ways. An equal amount would come from the United States, Argentina, and Australia. That would reduce the tonnage exported to Europe significantly.
One official put it this way. “The European Union’s plan, if imposed, would be a disaster for the American export business.”
It will take time. We will see.
That’s Agri View for today. I’m Everett Griner…