The government shutdown could stall progress on President Trump’s North American Free Trade Agreement replacement, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Analysis of the agreement has stopped during the shutdown as the U.S. International Trade Commission, responsible for examining the trade agreement, remains at a standstill. If continued, Politico reports the shutdown could delay release of the report on the economic impact …
Foreign Ag Service Worked to Expand Trade in 2018
The USDA worked diligently in 2018 to expand trade opportunities around the world for U.S. ag producers. Those efforts paid off as global sales remained strong in spite of challenges in the trade arena through the year. Ted McKinney, Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, says it’s been a “rollercoaster ride this year,” but U.S. farm exports remain strong, …
U.S. Beef Competitors Seeing Benefits in Japan
Japan started cutting tariffs for some of U.S. agriculture’s biggest competitors, especially for beef. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile will all benefit from lower Japanese tariffs. That, after the U.S. pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, and the remaining 11-nations made their own separate deal. Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman has the story. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, …
Export Programs Funded
With the 2018 Farm Bill ready to take effect, Tyron Spearman reports export programs important to agriculture were funded once again. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June …
Peanut Usage Down, Exports Up
According to the latest report from USDA, domestic usage of peanut is down, but exports of U.S. peanuts are up. Tyron Spearman looks at the latest numbers. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of …
Farmers Optimistic as China Buys U.S. Soybeans
Alabama soybean farmers are optimistic in light of China’s Dec. 12 purchase of U.S. soybeans, the nation’s first substantial U.S. agricultural purchase following a trade truce struck earlier this month. China’s haul of over 1.5 million tons of soybeans is valued at more than $500 million. In 2017, China bought 60 percent of U.S. soybeans — worth $12.25 billion — …
Record U.S. Beef Exports; Pork Exports Slightly Lower
U.S. beef exports remained on a record-shattering value pace in October, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). October pork exports trended seasonally higher compared to recent months, but were still below the results posted in October 2017. October beef exports totaled 117,800 metric tons, up 6 percent …
Cattlemen Urge Action to Reduce Trade Barriers in Japan
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Kevin Kester urged the Trump Administration to move quickly to tear down trade barriers for U.S. beef in Japan. Speaking at a public hearing on the potential economic impact of a U.S.-Japan bilateral trade agreement, Kester noted that reducing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers would benefit Japanese consumers and U.S. cattle producers. Japan is the top …
Dairy Farmers Want Access to Japan
America’s dairy farmers are urging President Trump to work on opening up the Japanese market as soon as possible. Officials are getting ready to begin trade talks between the two countries next month. The National Milk Producers Federation was one of four groups that gave testimony at the U.S. International Trade Commission hearing on the potential trade pact. The Office …
U.S. Beef Gains New Market Access in Morocco
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the government of Morocco has agreed to allow imports of U.S. beef and beef products into Morocco. 2018 is the first year that U.S. beef and poultry exporters have access to Morocco’s market under the terms of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Morocco opened its …