A coalition of almost 100 American food and agriculture organizations called for the prompt confirmation of Doug McKalip as the Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. In the letter to the U.S. Senate’s Finance Committee, the groups highlighted McKalip’s deep knowledge of the food and agriculture industry and his institutional, regulatory, and trade experience. The groups also …
US Hopeful for a Free Trade Agreement with UK
USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh, just off a major trade mission to the UK, sees that effort as setting the stage for a later free trade deal with Great Britain. Bronaugh says the trade mission resulted in both direct ag sales and talks on trade barriers that could lead to more formal US-UK negotiations. “I think we’re all very hopeful …
Forcing Compliance on Trade Policies
Making Canada Stick to Dairy Trade Policies. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Last month, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office initiated the second U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute regarding Canadian dairy tariff-rate quota policies. The U.S. is requesting dispute settlement consultations regarding Canada’s dairy tariff-rate quota, or TRQ allocation measures. The TRQs deny allocation access to eligible applicants, including retailers, …
Ocean Shipping Reform Act Continues Getting Closer to President’s Desk?
Last week the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 was unanimously approved during a voice vote of the U.S. Senate. A version of the legislation was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives late last year. Final negotiations will take place before a final bill can be sent to President Joe Biden for a signature. “AFBF appreciates the unanimous vote in …
NCBA Welcomes Announcement on Japan-U.S. Trade Agreement
Thursday, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. and Japan had reached an agreement that will help keep more American beef flowing into Japan. And this is news that pleases the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). As part of the terms of the Japan–U.S. Trade Agreement, both countries entered consultations after the volume-based safeguard was triggered in …
USTR Ambassador Tai Discusses Trade Relationship with China
By Clint Thompson United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai discussed trade with various countries during her time as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Outlook Forum. A focal part of her discussion with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack centered on China. The U.S.’s trade relationship with China is “profoundly consequential” and “increasingly complex,” she said. “In terms …
Strong Interest in U.S. Beef at Gulfood
There was a renewed sense of optimism as some 4,000 exhibitors met more than 100,000 buyers and other guests at Gulfood, one the world’s largest global food shows held annually in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. John Herath with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has the story. Gulfood 2022 was held Feb. 13-17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle …
Administration Considering New Tariffs on China over Phase One Deal
The Biden administration is looking at the possibility of new tariffs on China if they can’t persuade Beijing to live up to its failed commitments under the Phase One trade deal. Reuters says the administration is looking at other possibilities, including a closer working relationship with allies to present a united front against China. Myron Brilliant, the U.S. Chamber of …
Foreign Agriculture Service Working to Break Down Trade Barriers
Foreign Agriculture Service has led USDA’s day-to-day efforts to break down trade barriers and generate export opportunities for U.S. agriculture for 2021. They have tried to get peanuts accepted back into the European Union. These efforts also resulted in market access for U.S. pork to India, poultry to Venezuela, and apples and pears going into Argentina, among others. Tyron Spearman …
There’s a Lot Going on in the World of Agricultural Trade
In a story earlier this week, we told you that China wound up $16 billion short of achieving its obligations under the Phase One Trade Deal with the U.S. over the past two years. They missed the $40 billion a year goal by $13 billion in 2020 and by $3 billion in 2021. As Gary Crawford reports, the agricultural trade front …