While President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a tentative trade deal with Mexico, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., raised concerns about whether the deal would adequately protect Florida farmers. Rubio and Nelson sent a joint letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer requesting that he work “diligently to ensure Florida’s agriculture community is fairly …
Agriculture Welcomes USDA Help, Urges End to Trade Disputes
Agriculture groups welcomed the aid offered by a Department of Agriculture relief package announced Monday, but urged the administration to end trade disputes. Pork exports are one of the hardest-hit export categories, as U.S. pork exports to China are down significantly for the year, with the value falling nine percent through June. The drop has come mostly because of the …
NCGA: USDA Trade Aid Won’t Make Up for Lost Markets
In response to the Department of Agriculture’s tariff mitigation package, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says the plan “won’t make up for lost markets.” The organization reiterated its call for the Administration to rescind tariffs, secure trade agreements and allow for year-round sales of higher blends of ethanol; “no-cost actions that would allow for the marketplace to drive demand.” …
Trump Terminating Current NAFTA
The United States and Mexico have agreed to a new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) framework, prompting President Trump to announce his intent to terminate the current agreement. That means Trump is seeking to replace NAFTA with an agreement that for now does not include Canada. The expected agreement paves the way for the United States to shift its …
Farm Groups Respond to NAFTA Announcement
Farm country overall shows reserved optimism regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) announcement Monday. The announcement marks a step forward, as Mexico and the U.S. have a basic agreement in place. However, with Canada yet to be included, many questions remain. Farmers for Free Trade director Brian Kuehl says there is “significant work that remains” in delivering on …
China Grain Imports Plunge Amidst Tariffs
Imports of grain to China plunged in July after rounds of heavy tariffs between the U.S. and China were enacted. Data reviewed by Reuters shows China imported 220,000 metric tons of sorghum in July, down 62.5 percent from 588,300 metric tons a year ago. The imports were also below June’s 450,000 metric tons, when buyers scooped up U.S. shipments of …
AFBF Duvall on Trade Progress with Mexico and Tariff Mitigation Package
The following statement regarding the announcement of trade progress with Mexico, and the the Agriculture Department’s tariff mitigation package, can be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall: Trade Progress with Mexico is a Good Start “Farmers and ranchers are ready to move forward on trade with our nearest neighbors. Farm Bureau is excited about this announcement …
FFVA Statement on U.S.-Mexico Trade Deal
Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, issued the following statement regarding a trade agreement between the United States and Mexico: President Trump announced today that the United States and Mexico have reached agreement on a new trade pact that does not include a specific trade remedy for specialty crop producers in the Southeast. This is not …
Assistance for Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details of actions the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation by foreign nations. President Donald J. Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers while the administration works on free, fair and reciprocal trade deals …
Secretary Perdue on U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the announcement on trade between the United States and Mexico: “President Trump is delivering on his promise to renegotiate the old, outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), making good on his pledge to strike the best deals possible for all of our economic sectors, including agriculture. The President …