There have been several things going on lately in the political world that deal with agriculture. Everett Griner talks about farm politics in today’s Agri View. A Look at Current Farm Politics The farm block vote was one of Donald Trump’s strongest groups in the last presidential election. Farmers stood solidly behind his election. Recent issues that have direct impact …
Chinese Import Tariffs May Climb Higher
The U.S. government is taking comments on a proposal to increase the tariff on Chinese imports from the current 10 percent rate up to 25 percent. The tariff increase would cover a wide selection of Chinese imports, including fruits, vegetables, garlic, and more. On June 18th, President Trump directed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to identify another $200 billion worth …
China Pushes Back Against U.S. Tariffs
China immediately responded to the latest U.S. tariff threat by publishing a list of $60 billion in U.S. imports it will lay tariffs on. That’s dependent on whether or not the U.S. follows through on its latest trade threats. Bloomberg says China will levy duties ranging from five percent up to 25 percent on more than 5,000 kinds of U.S. …
Soybean Growers Back in D.C. to Talk Trade Resolution
The American Soybean Association is back in Washington, D.C., just weeks after their July Board of Directors meeting. Grower leaders are meeting with officials at the Department of Agriculture and with lawmakers to talk over options for offsetting the long-term damage from China’s retaliatory tariff on American soybeans. John Heisdorffer, ASA President, says they know that President Trump is aware …
Canada Happily on NAFTA Sidelines, for Now
Canada may be sitting out on the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks, for now. However, Canadian officials say they are “perfectly happy” doing so, because “they have a number of issues to discuss that Canada does not need to sit in on,” according to Politico. That includes auto rules in the agreement, a contentious issue between the U.S. …
Trade a Top Issue for Cattlemen
Cattle producers from across the country are in Denver, Colorado for the 2018 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting. A lot of business is taking place and various issues are being discussed, including trade. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Colin Woodall, says we need to preserve what we have with NAFTA. Trade a Top Issue …
U.S., China Reportedly Trying to Re-engage in Trade Talks
The U.S. and China are trying to restart trade talks as the two nations square off in a trade war. The attempt comes as the Trump administration readies a new round of tariffs against China. Bloomberg reports representatives of U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and China’s Vice Premier are having private conversations as they look for ways to re-engage in …
U.S., Mexico, Leaving Canada behind in NAFTA Talks
The United States and Mexico are progressing on the North American Free Trade Agreement re-negotiations, leaving Canada behind, for now. Top trade officials from Mexico are in the U.S. this week after optimism showed through last week with a potential agreement on automotive rules as part of NAFTA, according to Politico, which notes progress on the contentious issue bodes well …
NFU Urges Long-Term Trade Solutions in Farm Bill
In a letter to lawmakers, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson emphasized the need to address agricultural economic hardships in the 2018 farm bill. The NFU Board of Directors unanimously approved the motion to send the letter during a meeting held Monday afternoon. With an already grim farm economy, an escalating global trade war, and uncertainty in export markets, …
Trade Aid for Farmers Could Start in Late September
The aid package announced to offset harm by the Trump administration’s trade policy for agriculture could be ready to go by October, according to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. While in Argentina as part of the G20 meeting of agriculture ministers, Perdue told Reuters the aid package could have payments reaching farmers by late September. The plan would include between $7 …