Putnam Says Trade Deal Falls Short for Florida Farmers

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam would like the renegotiated and rebranded North American Free Trade Agreement to do more to help the state’s farmers. And he’s not alone, as U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also expressed concerns about the absence of relief for Florida agriculture in the revamped trade pact announced late Sunday. Putnam, who has long been a critic …

Trade Deal Adds to Momentum

Canada’s last-minute agreement to join a new NAFTA with the U.S. and Mexico, resolves major trade and legislative hurdles for U.S. agriculture. The trilateral deal, seen as a big trade win for President Trump amid a protracted tariff fight with China, will also make it easier for U.S. dairy to compete in Canada, which strongly resisted changes to its supply …

Canada Dairy Industry: New NAFTA a Bad Outcome

Dairy farmers in Canada “paid the price” to conclude an international trade agreement, according to Dairy Farmers of Canada. The recently announced U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) includes allowing the U.S. expanded dairy market access. Canada’s dairy industry says the concessions show Canada is “willing to sacrifice our domestic dairy production …

New NAFTA Faces Long Road Before Implementation

The updated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has many procedural hurdles to pass before farmers and ranchers can see any benefits. President Trump called the agreement a “promise kept” regarding his trade agenda, as NAFTA will become the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement, or USMCA. The late-night announcement Sunday allows the Trump administration to beat a self-set deadline. The administration …

Branstad Responds to China Newspaper Ad Against U.S. Trade Policies

The trade war between China and the United States continues to spill over into a Midwest-based newspaper. Following a four-page paid editorial from China, a U.S. official offered up an editorial in the Des Moines Register blasting China’s propaganda aimed at Iowa farmers. Terry Branstad, former Iowa Governor and U.S. ambassador to China, wrote in the editorial that “it is …

Groups Respond to New US-Mexico-Canada Agreement

AFBF: Farm Bureau Applauds Trade Progress with Canada The following statement regarding the announcement of trade progress with Canada can be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Today’s announcement regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is welcome news. This was a hard-fought win and we commend the administration for all the efforts to solidify the trading relationships we have with …

China May Be Getting U.S. Soybeans Through the Backdoor

It’s possible that Chinese soybean buyers could still be getting American soybeans by purchasing their beans from Argentina. Export reports show that Argentina is buying soybeans from the U.S. and exporting its own production to China. However, a grain market expert says that’s not likely because a drought left Argentina grain stocks in short supply. “The issue is that Argentina …

NCBA Update on Trade Issues

A trade deal has been reached between the United States, Canada and Mexico. The new pact is being called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, basically replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement. Last week, another trade deal made the news, as the United States signed a new deal with South Korea. Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) director of international trade, says …

Trade Deal Reached Between United States, Canada and Mexico

Canada has agreed to join the trade accord between the United States and Mexico, effectively replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The announcement comes after Mexico and the United States reached a deal in late August.  The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will allow better access to Canada for American dairy products and also provides for more imports of …