The Department of Agriculture’s trade relief package is drawing criticisms that it favors soybean production over corn. Soybeans, no doubt a hotter commodity for China, which is targeting U.S. ag as part of the trade war with the U.S., have a much larger payout than corn. The payments are based on 2018 production levels that must be certified and provided …
Agriculture Welcomes USDA Help, Urges End to Trade Disputes
Agriculture groups welcomed the aid offered by a Department of Agriculture relief package announced Monday, but urged the administration to end trade disputes. Pork exports are one of the hardest-hit export categories, as U.S. pork exports to China are down significantly for the year, with the value falling nine percent through June. The drop has come mostly because of the …
NCGA: USDA Trade Aid Won’t Make Up for Lost Markets
In response to the Department of Agriculture’s tariff mitigation package, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says the plan “won’t make up for lost markets.” The organization reiterated its call for the Administration to rescind tariffs, secure trade agreements and allow for year-round sales of higher blends of ethanol; “no-cost actions that would allow for the marketplace to drive demand.” …
Farm Groups Respond to NAFTA Announcement
Farm country overall shows reserved optimism regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) announcement Monday. The announcement marks a step forward, as Mexico and the U.S. have a basic agreement in place. However, with Canada yet to be included, many questions remain. Farmers for Free Trade director Brian Kuehl says there is “significant work that remains” in delivering on …
AFBF Duvall on Trade Progress with Mexico and Tariff Mitigation Package
The following statement regarding the announcement of trade progress with Mexico, and the the Agriculture Department’s tariff mitigation package, can be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall: Trade Progress with Mexico is a Good Start “Farmers and ranchers are ready to move forward on trade with our nearest neighbors. Farm Bureau is excited about this announcement …
FFVA Statement on U.S.-Mexico Trade Deal
Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, issued the following statement regarding a trade agreement between the United States and Mexico: President Trump announced today that the United States and Mexico have reached agreement on a new trade pact that does not include a specific trade remedy for specialty crop producers in the Southeast. This is not …
Secretary Perdue on U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the announcement on trade between the United States and Mexico: “President Trump is delivering on his promise to renegotiate the old, outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), making good on his pledge to strike the best deals possible for all of our economic sectors, including agriculture. The President …
U.S./China Trade Talks Draw a Blank
The trade war between China and the United States seems primed to worsen as the governments failed to make progress in two days of discussions. Reuters says the two sides met last week with low expectations of progress and there are no further talks scheduled at this time. A source close to the negotiations told Reuters that Chinese officials have …
Canada Next for NAFTA
A trade official from Mexico is hopeful to bring Canada back into the North American Free Trade Agreement talks to reach a three-way agreement, as early as next week. The comments come as the U.S. and Mexico were close to a “handshake” agreement Thursday, helping calm some anxieties for agriculture amidst the global trade turmoil. Politico reports that the top …
China, U.S. Trade War Deepens with More Tariffs
The U.S. and China began rolling out more tariffs against each other this week as part of the tit-for-tat trade war between the two nations. The U.S. will collect an additional 25 percent in duties on Chinese imports ranging from motorcycles to steam turbines and railway cars, and the Chinese retaliation will see a similarly sized tax on items including …