China trade talks continued last week but ended with very little progress and an increase in current tariffs. The U.S. and China were meeting last week to talk about the ongoing trade dispute between the two nations. Reports claim that very little was accomplished during the meetings however the indication is they didn’t go wrong. Some officials were surprised talks …
Western Hemisphere Agriculture Leaders on Food Security and Ag Trade
Western Hemisphere agriculture leaders met on the margins of the G-20 Agricultural Ministerial in Niigata, Japan, affirming their intent to work together to champion global food security and agricultural trade on the basis of sound science and risk analysis principles. Following the meeting, top agricultural officials from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the United States issued the following statement. “Together, …
Trump Says Tariffs on China to Increase
Trade officials from China are in Washington, DC this week as the Trump administration places further pressure on China to reach an agreement with the United States. Trump will increase tariffs on China Friday, saying talks between the two nations are going too slowly. On Twitter, Trump states he will increase tariffs on $200 billion of goods from 10 to …
Outlook for May China Agreement Positive
Optimism is growing that the U.S. and China could wrap up a trade agreement this month. Trade officials from the U.S. and China concluded talks in Beijing Wednesday with another critical round scheduled for next week in the United States. The Trump administration has appeared to be ready to walk away if an agreement isn’t reached soon. However, Treasury Secretary …
How ASF affects U.S. Pork Trade with China
There are no vaccines yet for African Swine Fever (ASF), but scientists are working to develop one. Of course ASF continues to be a major issue in China, and USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach says he sees a recent uptick in Chinese demand for U.S. pork for that reason.
Perdue Optimistic on Many Major Pending Issues
Agriculture Secretary Perdue is optimistic for satisfactory outcomes for several pending agreements and issues. Gary Crawford has the story.
Mexican Labor Bill a Step towards USMCA
Lawmakers in Mexico this week took a step towards implementing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. Mexico’s Senate approved a bill that overhauls the country’s labor code. The move was a precondition for U.S. Democrats in the House of Representatives for considering the agreement. Bloomberg News reports Mexican lawmakers raced to pass the …
Congress Returns with Push for USMCA
Lawmakers are returning to Washington this week with a renewed industry push to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Following the International Trade Commission Report, few steps remain to reach implementation. Vice President Mike Pence touted the deal during a stop in Michigan last week, and a road tour from Farmers for Free Trade crossed the country building support for passage …
Peanut Leaders Talk Trade
A group of leaders from the peanut industry recently traveled to Washington D.C. to talk about trade issues. Tyron Spearman has the details.
Ag Seeks Swift Agreement in U.S.-Japan Trade Talks
A large coalition of agriculture groups is urging for swift action in the negotiation and implementation of a U.S.-Japan trade agreement. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, along with many agriculture organizations, signed a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this week. The groups say the U.S. food and agriculture industry is increasingly disadvantaged by competing regional …