American Farm Bureau Federation Farmers and Ranchers Celebrate Japanese Trade Deal, Look Forward to More (AFBF-Oct. 7, 2019) — President Trump signed the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, which is an important step forward with U.S. agriculture’s fourth-largest export market. The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Today’s signing marks the successful end to more than a …
U.S. Trade Deficit Narrow with China
(NAFB) — The United States’ trade deficit with China is as small as it’s been in recent months. U.S. exports hit a five-month high, which Bloomberg says is a possible sign of goodwill from China as the two nations continue to try and resolve their trade war. According to data released late last week by the Commerce Department, the trade …
NMPF on U.S. Response to Illegal EU Subsidies Under WTO
ARLINGTON, VA (NMPF-Oct. 3, 2019) — “Subsidies and barriers that handicap U.S. businesses in the global marketplace by violating international trade commitments shouldn’t be tolerated. We strongly support the World Trade Organization’s imposition of $7.5 billion in retaliatory duties on European products, including dairy foods, to prod the EU to uphold its World Trade Organization commitments and reinforce the importance …
McConnell, Others, Optimistic on USMCA
(NAFB) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hopes lawmakers can reach a resolution on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement soon. Speaking to CNBC this week, McConnell says “USMCA is something we can agree on,” referring to the Democrat-led House of Representatives and Republican-led Senate. President Donald Trump announced the three nations reached an agreement one year ago this week. Concerns regarding the …
McConnell Tells Democrats “Time to Act on USMCA”
(NAFB) — Much of Washington, D.C., is consumed with questions about Ukraine and the impeachment inquiry. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell publicly scolded Democrats’ handling of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. Politico says McConnell wants House Democrats to pass the North American trade agreement, noting that “the time for excuses is over.” Speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell said Democrats …
China Buys U.S. Ag Products Ahead of Next Round of Talks
(NAFB) — Late last week, China said it’s already bought a considerable number of U.S. soybeans and pork as it prepares for the next round of trade talks with Washington, D.C. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce says both countries are in “close communication” ahead of the next round of talks. A ministry spokesman says as China has ramped up its …
Impeachment Inquiry Could Dampen Chances of USMCA
(NAFB) — House Democrats seeking to impeach President Donald Trump spells trouble for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA). White House officials claim the effort has “destroyed any chances of legislative progress.” Meanwhile, Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley says if Democrats in the House use impeachment proceedings as a basis to not act on policy, the effort will halt progress on USMCA. …
Japanese Trade Deal Good for Beef and Pork Producers
The new U.S.-Japanese trade deal announced Wednesday addresses several agricultural and industrial tariffs. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Steve Censky told AgNet Media, that the agreement will have a significant impact on several commodities, most notably the beef and pork industries. Censky said the agreement will allow both the U.S. beef and pork industries to compete more fairly. Japanese officials have indicated …
U.S. Pork Producers Seeking Expanded Export Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPPC-Sept. 26, 2019) — The U.S. pork industry ships more product to the 20 countries covered by free-trade agreements than we do the rest of the world combined. Therefore, expanding export opportunities through trade agreements remains a top priority for U.S. pork producers, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Director of International Affairs Maria Zieba said today at a …
Agriculture Groups Respond to Japan Trade Deal
Today (September 25, 2019), President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Abe signed a trade agreement that many in agriculture had been asking for. Various agriculture commodity groups welcomed the news. Secretary Perdue Statement on Signing of US-Japan Trade Agreement Washington, D.C. (USDA-September 25, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the signing of the …