President Donald Trump says he has agreed to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, rather than terminate the agreement. Following news that the White House was preparing an executive order to terminate NAFTA, the President said on Twitter Thursday that leaders called from Mexico and Canada “asking to renegotiate rather than terminate,” adding he agreed to do so. But, …
Backroom Briefing: Putnam No Fan of NAFTA
by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who may be getting closer to announcing a bid for governor, continued lambasting the North American Free Trade Agreement this week as President Donald Trump backed off, for now, on withdrawing the U.S. from the pact. Putnam’s office said Wednesday he has implored U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross …
NCGA Urges White House: Don’t Withdraw From NAFTA
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) denounced reports that the White House has drafted plans to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The following is a statement from NCGA President Wesley Spurlock. “Mr. President, America’s corn farmers helped elect you. We are strong supporters of your administration and continue to stand ready to work with you to …
Farm Bureau Welcomes Decision to Improve NAFTA
The American Farm Bureau Federation thanked the Trump administration today for its decision to pursue renegotiation over withdrawal from the North American Free Trade Agreement. The full text of the letter from AFBF President Zippy Duvall is below: “Thank you for your recent decision to choose the path of renegotiation for the North American Free Trade Agreement, rather than withdrawal. …
Concerns with Withdrawing from NAFTA
There are various concerns about the recent reports that the Trump Administration is considering an executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The future of NAFTA agreement was the topic during a Farm Foundation Forum held Wednesday in Washington, D.C. One of those taking part in the discussion was Bob Stallman, Texas farmer …
White House Readies Order on NAFTA Withdrawal
Two White House sources told Politico that the Trump Administration is considering an executive order withdrawing the country from the North American Free Trade Agreement. Officials say the draft order has been submitted for the final stages of review and could be unveiled soon. Politico says the order could change in the coming days but seems to indicate an intent …
Commissioner Putnam Urges Department of Commerce to Investigate Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross emphasizing the need for fair trade, as Mexican imports have negatively affected Florida agriculture. He asked the Department of Commerce to initiate an investigation into Mexico’s unfair trade practices. “I believe that Florida produces the highest quality agricultural commodities in the world and …
U.S., EU, Opening Door to TTIP Talks
The European Union and the United States could soon be reviving negotiations of the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross over the weekend told the Financial Times reducing the trans-Atlantic trade deficit in goods is a top priority. The $146 billion trans-Atlantic trade deficit is only second to China’s $347 billion deficit. Ross was hosting …
NAFTA Talks Not Happening Soon
President Donald Trump says the White House will offer some preliminary plans on the possible renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) sometime within the next two weeks. While he didn’t get more specific than that, Politico’s Morning Agriculture report adds that a White House spokesman says the Administration is currently working on negotiating text with Congress. The …
Canada Doubling Down on Dairy Trade Comments
Canada continues to say ‘it’s not our problem’ when asked about dairy trade with the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (true-doh) told Bloomberg News Thursday: “It’s not Canada that’s the challenge here.” Trudeau said the U.S. has a large dairy trade surplus with Canada. He stood by his own system, by saying every country subsidizes agriculture, adding: “Let’s …