Reuters says the Brazilian Ag Minister is asking the country’s Foreign Trade Council to impose tariffs on U.S. ethanol imports after a recent surge in shipments coming in from America. The article says a move like that could potentially stir up trouble with the Trump administration, which is already looking at renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement. Brazil is …
Canada/Mexico Doing NAFTA Renegotiations “Together”
The relationship between Mexico and Canada amid the upcoming North American Free Trade (NAFTA) negotiations is said by both countries to be more important than ever. The Canadian Broadcasting Company website says Mexican President Enrique Pena (payn-ya’) Nieto (Knee-eht-oh) and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were both caught off guard by media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump was readying …
Trump Threatens to Terminate ‘KORUS’
In a recent interview, President Donald Trump threatened to terminate a trade agreement with South Korea, which he referred to as a “horrible deal that’s left America destroyed.” A Washington Post article says Trump sharply criticized the U.S. free trade agreement with South Korea, known as “KORUS,” which was most recently ratified in 2011. “It’s a Hillary Clinton disaster, a …
Trump to Renegotiate NAFTA, For Now
President Donald Trump says he has agreed to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, rather than terminate the agreement. Following news that the White House was preparing an executive order to terminate NAFTA, the President said on Twitter Thursday that leaders called from Mexico and Canada “asking to renegotiate rather than terminate,” adding he agreed to do so. But, …
Farm Bureau Welcomes Decision to Improve NAFTA
The American Farm Bureau Federation thanked the Trump administration today for its decision to pursue renegotiation over withdrawal from the North American Free Trade Agreement. The full text of the letter from AFBF President Zippy Duvall is below: “Thank you for your recent decision to choose the path of renegotiation for the North American Free Trade Agreement, rather than withdrawal. …
Iowa Ag Secretary on White House Ag Roundtable
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey expressed his appreciation that President Trump would host the Agriculture roundtable discussion this week, especially because it’s still early in his administration. Northey says he was very encouraged by the discussion that took place. “The president clearly understands the importance of a strong agriculture sector in our nation. It’s great news that Secretary Perdue …
White House Readies Order on NAFTA Withdrawal
Two White House sources told Politico that the Trump Administration is considering an executive order withdrawing the country from the North American Free Trade Agreement. Officials say the draft order has been submitted for the final stages of review and could be unveiled soon. Politico says the order could change in the coming days but seems to indicate an intent …
Commissioner Putnam Urges Department of Commerce to Investigate Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross emphasizing the need for fair trade, as Mexican imports have negatively affected Florida agriculture. He asked the Department of Commerce to initiate an investigation into Mexico’s unfair trade practices. “I believe that Florida produces the highest quality agricultural commodities in the world and …
Progress on Canada Dairy Issue
The Associated Press reports more farmers impacted by what they call unfair trade practices by Canada have found a buyer for their milk. A Wisconsin state officials told the Associated Press Tuesday that around 15 more farms have found buyers or have promising leads. If those deals go through, that means 20 to 25 of the 58 farms dropped by …
U.S., EU, Opening Door to TTIP Talks
The European Union and the United States could soon be reviving negotiations of the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross over the weekend told the Financial Times reducing the trans-Atlantic trade deficit in goods is a top priority. The $146 billion trans-Atlantic trade deficit is only second to China’s $347 billion deficit. Ross was hosting …