WTO Says Ag Trade Faring ‘Better’ During COVID-19; Producers Feeling Pressure

Clint Thompson Trade

A new report from the World Trade Organization (WTO) says agricultural trade has performed “better” than other economic sectors during COVID-19. However, Western Producer says the report notes that farmers and ranchers are still feeling pressure from lower food prices. “Overall merchandise trade fell sharply in the first half of this year, but agricultural and food exports increased by 2.5% …

China, Lighthizer Talk Trade Agreement

Clint Thompson Trade

China reaffirmed this week its commitments included in the Phase 1 trade deal. The pledge comes out of a conversation between U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer and Chinese trade officials, the first formal dialogue since early May, according to Reuters. In a statement following the call, Lighthizer says, “Both sides see progress and are committed to taking the steps …

Lighthizer Promises Help for Southeast Tomato Growers

Clint Thompson Trade, Vegetables

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer promises tomato growers in the southeast United States that he will address their concerns about imported Mexican tomatoes. Trade Vistas Dot Com says American producers are upset about the surging numbers of Mexican tomato imports under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade. The United States is the second-largest producer of tomatoes in the world, but with …

U.S. China Postpone Trade Deal Review

Clint Thompson Export/Import, Exports/Imports, Soybeans, Trade

The U.S. and China have postponed a review of the Phase One trade deal as China continues to buy large amounts of U.S. farm commodities. The two sides were set to meet over the weekend, but the delay allows China more time to buy U.S. crops. However, the postponement arose over scheduling conflicts, according to Reuters. Saturday marked the six-month …

Commissioner Fried Encourages Farmers to Comment, Testify on Unfair Trade Hearings

Clint Thompson Exports/Imports, Florida, Trade

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried are encouraging producers to submit comments in the coming week to the upcoming U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) field hearings on unfair produce trade with Mexico. The USTR recently announced that field hearings scheduled in April will now take place on August 13 and …

USDA, USTR to Hold Hearings with Seasonal Growers Next Month

Clint Thompson Alabama, Exports/Imports, Florida, Georgia, Trade

The Trump administration will hold two hearings next month with seasonal produce growers to discuss foreign trade policies that may be harming farmers. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office, along with the Department of Agriculture, recently announced the hearings planned for August 13 and August 20. At the hearings, officials from the federal agencies will hear from farmers on how the …

U.K. Still Resisting Agriculture Inclusion in U.S. Trade Talks

Clint Thompson Alabama, Exports/Imports, Florida, Georgia, Trade

United Kingdom officials in London are launching an advisory group that will focus on protecting the interests of British farmers during the upcoming high-stakes trade negotiations with the United States. Liz Truss, International Trade Secretary for the United Kingdom, says, “Trade pacts with other nations must be fair and reciprocal to our farmers, and must not compromise on our high …

Lighthizer: Ready for the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement

Clint Thompson Alabama, Exports/Imports, Florida, Georgia, Trade

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) officially begins today, July 1. According to a story from Stephanie Ho, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer says the U.S. is ready for the trade agreement. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

North American Meat Institute: USMCA’s Entry Into Force Ensures Acces to Critical Markets for Meat, Poultry

Clint Thompson Alabama, Exports/Imports, Florida, Georgia, Trade

Meat & Poultry Industry Exports $5.5 Billion Annually to Canada & Mexico WASHINGTON, DC – The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) released the following statement on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entry into force:  “The U.S. meat and poultry industry exports $5.5 billion annually in products to Canada and Mexico,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “This …

Mexican President to Meet This Week With Trump

Clint Thompson Alabama, Exports/Imports, Florida, Georgia, Trade

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will be in Washington this week to celebrate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade going into full effect. The Washington Trade Daily says Obrador will meet with President Trump and may also meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As the agreement between the three North American countries enters into force, Obrador is making the …