Mexico and the European Union could place the framework for a trade deal by the end of the year. As talks around the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) drag on, Mexico said this week that the nation is working with the EU to reach the framework for a trade agreement, but differences over agricultural market access remain. The two …
Canada and Mexico Working to Strengthen Trade Ties
While the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations are in between rounds, Mexico and Canada are still busy talking trade. Canada’s Ag Minister just wrapped up a two-day trip to Mexico City aimed at strengthening their bilateral relationship and promoting trade. Meating Place Dot Com says the Canadian Ag Minister, Lawrence McCauley, attended a large food and trade show …
Lighthizer defends U.S. Ag in WTO Meeting
U.S. Wheat Associates publicly thanked U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for his work defending U.S. agriculture against attempts to weaken the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules on domestic support in agriculture. The Wheat Associates organization says the Buenos Aires WTO Ministerial Conference would be a failure and the mission of the WTO to advance trade would be negatively affected through …
Chairman Roberts: “Trade Is More Than a Product Crossing a Border”
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts says “trade is more than a product crossing a border,” in a speech while outlining all facets of seed planted in the U.S. may lead to during its export journey, including the combine, processing facilities and employees along the way. The comments come as worry remains that the U.S. may withdraw from the North …
McKinney: Farmers Need NAFTA Backup Plan
Farmers need a backup plan if the U.S. exits the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), according to a top Department of Agriculture official. Ted McKinney, USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, told Agriculture.com that he “would advise anybody to be prepared with contingencies,” despite the administration knowing “very well where the farm and ag industries stand.” The …
Mend, Don’t End NAFTA
Officials from Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will begin a technical round of meetings on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Monday. Top negotiating officials aren’t scheduled to be in Washington next week. They’ll appear at the next formal round of talks, which will be next January in Montreal. National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern …
Canadian Ambassador Optimistic on NAFTA Negotiations
Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. says the target date of March as a finishing point to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations is very possible. He tells Bloomberg it’s possible if the three sides can overcome some sticking points, including U.S. demands for tougher auto quotas. David McNaughton tells Bloomberg he’s hopeful the deal with be done by …
USDA Emphasizing Trade Expansion
Ted McKinney, the new USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, has been busy since being sworn in. He’s visited India, Brazil, Colombia, and Panama recently with the goal of increasing trade opportunities. Capital Press Dot Com says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting a new emphasis on generating more trade opportunities overseas for American agriculture. Ag …
Mexican Ambassador: 50% Chance NAFTA is Terminated
The Mexican Ambassador says there is a 50-50 chance that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will be “terminated.” Geronimo Gutierrez says there are tensions hanging over the three sides in the negotiations and that’s creating an air of uncertainty. The Hill Dot Com says despite that, he still thinks a deal to update the agreement can be done …
U.S. Rice Production Down, Prices Up
Rice production in the United States is down 20 percent compared to last year, while futures prices for the commodity are up 30 percent from a year ago. Online source World-Grain reports the drastic reduction largely was the result of reduced planted and harvested area as rice lost acreage mainly to soybeans and cotton. Rice prices were dropping in March …