The trade war between the U.S. and China is proving to be costly to U.S. farmers, just as President Trump announced the intent for further tariffs, escalating the tense state of affairs. University of Illinois agriculture economist Scott Irwin this week on Twitter says the outlook has “moved into disaster territory,” specifically, regarding soybeans. Jim Bower of Bower Trading in …
Farmers for Free Trade Places More Anti-Trade War Advertising
Farmers for Free Trade is again placing advertisements on cable television showing an on-the-ground look at how current trade disputes are damaging export markets for U.S. farmers. In conjunction with the U.S. Apple Association, the advertisement targets the retaliations to the Section 232 tariffs that include U.S. apples. Airing on television news networks frequently watched by President Trump, the advertisement …
NPPC Testifies at USTR Hearing on Thailand’s GSP Eligibility
At a U.S. Trade Representative hearing, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) called for Thailand’s preferential access to the U.S. market to be revoked or reduced if it does not end its unwarranted ban on U.S. pork. Thailand is a top beneficiary of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, which gives duty-free treatment to certain goods entering the …
Ag Groups Want #TradeNotTariffs
Ag groups have spent weeks engaging the Trump Administration for more insight into the future of trade tariffs. Those agricultural producers and related industries that depend on exports are now turning to Congress for help. The White House declared that Friday would be the day it announces the final list of $50 billion in Chinese products that would be charged …
Trump Set to Launch Tariffs Against China
President Donald Trump could impose tariffs on Chinese good Friday, or perhaps next week, according to Politico. Sources say the imminent move faces a Friday deadline for publishing a final list of goods that will be hit with the 25 percent tariff. However, the order for the products list deadline does not offer a timeline on when the tariffs will …
Mexico Turning to EU and Others to Replace U.S. Pork Imports
Mexico is turning to the European Union and Latin America to offset any potential declines in U.S. pork imports. Mexico recently announced a 20 percent tariff on U.S. pork shoulders and legs starting next month in response to steel and aluminum tariffs placed on Mexico by the Trump administration. Mexican officials told Politico the nation will allow 350,000 tons of …
NFU, Canada Farmers Group, Make Joint Statement Supporting Trade
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson made a joint statement with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture supporting agricultural trade. The statement was prompted by President Trump’s lashing out against Canada over the weekend and early this week regarding dairy trade, and other issues included in the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation effort. Johnson, along with CFA President Ron …
Mexico Calling for Flexibility in NAFTA Talks
Mexico is calling for flexibility in the North American Free Trade Agreement talks. A trade official from Mexico said Monday that the only way the countries renegotiating NAFTA will find a solution is through “sufficient flexibility” to narrow differences. Further, the official says Mexican and Canadian negotiators will be “engaging strongly” in July to reach an agreement that is “feasible, …
Perdue Discusses Trade Issues with China
During the recent World Meat Congress held in Dallas, Texas, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said trade is critically important to U.S. farmers and ranchers. There have been some ups and downs with various countries, including China, when it comes to trade talks this year. Perdue Discusses Trade with China Back in April, Perdue said a potential trade dispute with China …
Chief Ag Negotiator Says It’s “Time to Play Offense”
Greg Doud, Chief Ag Negotiator for the Trump Administration, recently returned from a trip to China and said it’s time to “play offense.” During his career, Doud has been involved in Chinese discussions for more than 15 years. He told AgDay TV at the World Pork Expo that it’s not going to be a fast process. Doud says his most …