A Bloomberg report says that two days of trade discussions in Beijing ended with nothing else than an agreement to keep talking. China’s official news agency says the two sides did reach an agreement on some trade issues, but also admitted there were some big disagreements on some major issues. The news report says the sides will continue discussions but …
More Optimistic about Future of NAFTA
The pace of NAFTA negotiations recently accelerated, as U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his counterparts from Canada and Mexico concluded four days of ministerial-level meetings. U.S. Meat Export Federation’s Joe Schuele has more. More Optimistic about Future of NAFTA
Lighthizer: NAFTA Deal Needed within the Next Few Weeks
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this week said a North American Free Trade Agreement deal must be reached “within a week or two” of the next meeting of trade negotiators. Officials from the U.S., Canada and Mexico are scheduled to meet next week again to hammer out remaining details in the renegotiation effort. Lighthizer says negotiators must reach an agreement …
Trump Tariffs Impacting Manufactures, Ag and Beer Makers
Ongoing trade disputes, along with President Trump’s tariff efforts are hurting U.S. consumers of steel and aluminum. Market fluctuations in prices are impacting the makers and builders of grain bins, metal building, farm equipment, and even the beer industry. The Beer Institute, which represents the brewing industry, calls the tariff on aluminum a $347 million tax on the U.S. beer …
Nothing New on NAFTA as Trump Extends Tariff Exemptions
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week said no news should be expected this week regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). That’s because Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is traveling to China, according to the Hagstrom report. The comments came as President Donald Trump had extended tariff exemption for another 30 days to Canada and Mexico as a permanent exemption …
USDA Celebrates World Trade Month
The Department of Agriculture is celebrating May as World Trade Month. In doing so, the department is highlighting its success and commitment to expanding trade of agricultural exports. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says he is “proud of the progress we make each day” at USDA regarding trade. The celebration comes as the U.S., however, is amid a trade dispute with …
NAFTA Negotiations Continue Next Week
Negotiations for revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will continue next week as all sides remain hopeful to reach a deal this month. Top-level talks, according to reports, will continue after a U.S. trade delegation returns from China. U.S. officials and negotiators from Canada and Mexico have been eying an early May finish line, and in mid-April, Vice …
New TPP Moving Forward
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) continues to move forward without the United States. Mexico last week ratified the new TPP agreement, now called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Mexico’s Senate voted 73-24 to approve the agreement which will go into effect when six of the 11 nations approve the deal. President Trump earlier this month directed U.S. Trade …
Agri View: NAFTA and Farm Bill Problems
Everett Griner talks about problems with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in today’s Agri View. He also looks at the farm bill and what it may bring for producers. NAFTA and Farm Bill Problems Here is the way one man highly regarded in agriculture put it: “There is no good outcome in messing around with NAFTA. They will …
U.S. Beef Could Expand In E.U. To Help Avoid Trade War
The European Union is preparing to allow more tariff-free U.S. beef into the region as part of an attempt to avoid a trade war. Politico says the move comes at the same time French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are making high-level diplomatic trips to Washington, D.C. Both leaders are trying to dissuade President Donald Trump from …