agricultural trade
Farmer confidence fades over trade concerns
Nearly twice as many producers believe there is a risk of a trade war that will significantly damage farm exports as say that risk is low, according to a Purdue University poll of farmers and ranchers.
Brazil set for record soybean crop, exports
A Brazilian analyst said the country will see record-setting soybean exports this year as the result of a drought-afflicted crop in Argentina and trade tensions between the United States and China, reported Reuters.
China targets U.S. pork and apples, but not soybeans so far
Three years after gaining full access to Chinese consumers, U.S. apple growers may be hit with a 15 percent tariff in a rapidly growing market. Beijing listed agricultural products, including fresh fruit, pork and wine, as potential targets for retaliation because of Trump administration tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, putting U.S. producers on edge about the possible loss of valuable markets.
Trade disputes could hatch a ‘Trump tariff payment’ to farmers
Farmers are worried about foreign retaliation to U.S. trade sanctions, said the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, suggesting that Congress may have to create a “special payment due to retaliation.”
China is an ag trade cheater, says chief U.S. negotiator
With President Trump ready to impose trade sanctions on China for hijacking U.S. technology, his chief agricultural negotiator told a farm conference that the administration is defending agriculture, too.
U.S. and South Korea agree to regionalize bird-flu bans
The United States and South Korea, the sixth-largest customer for U.S. farm exports, agreed to limit the trade impact of any outbreaks of deadly avian influenza in the future, announced the USDA.
Concerns grow over Trump’s trade, rural infrastructure plans
A growing number of farmers and rural advocates say President Trump's trade and rural infrastructure proposals would further damage the struggling farm economy, despite his vow to boost rural America through renewed investment.
Drought wallops Argentina’s soybean crop
Prolonged drought will limit Argentina’s soybean crop to 47 million tonnes this year, about 10 million tonnes less than usual, estimated the USDA in its monthly WASDE report.
Perdue sees ‘legitimate concern’ in farm country over trade issues
The farm sector is “rightfully concerned” that President Trump’s plan for steep tariffs on imported steel and aluminum could trigger retaliatory tariffs on U.S. ag exports, said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Exports account for 20 percent of U.S. farm income.
Wheat, soy groups fear retaliation for U.S. steel and aluminum duties
Groups representing U.S. wheat and soybean growers said the steel and aluminum tariffs announced by President Trump might lead to retaliatory steps by China, the No. 1 buyer of American farm exports.
Senate confirms Doud as chief U.S. agricultural negotiator
The Senate confirmed Gregg Doud as the chief agricultural negotiator at the U.S. trade representative’s office. He was the second Trump nominee confirmed by the Senate to an agriculture-related post this week.
Mexican corn farmers call for NAFTA limits on imports of U.S. corn
With the seventh round of NAFTA negotiations underway, the Mexican National Federation of Corn Farmers said the redrawn pact should limit corn imports into the country, reported Xinhua, the Chinese news agency.
Commerce Department authorizes anti-dumping duties on imported biodiesel
Biodiesel makers in Argentina and Indonesia should face anti-dumping duties of up to 277 percent on their shipments to the United States, ruled the Commerce Department in a case brought by domestic producers.
Corn vs. soybean race for U.S. dominance could be a squeaker
The contest between corn, the longtime leader, and soybeans to be the most widely planted U.S. crop may be closer than initially thought, said USDA chief economist Robert Johansson, speaking at the agency’s annual Ag Outlook Forum.
China studies impact of sanctioning U.S. soybeans
Days after China began an anti-dumping investigation of imported U.S. sorghum, its Ministry of Commerce met with domestic companies to discuss possible anti-dumping and anti-subsidy reviews of U.S. soybeans, reported Bloomberg.
Ag outlook: Low prices, trade challenges in 2018, says Perdue
Many farmers will "face tight bottom lines, even negative returns in some cases," during 2018, said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in describing the state of the rural economy as fragile. "We project continuing low commodity prices and trade challenges in the face of large global supplies and a relatively strong dollar in the coming year."
Chinese policy statement calls for modernized farm sector
With an eye toward higher rural income and farm productivity, China issued a policy statement calling for a modernized farm sector by 2035. China also announced an investigation into whether U.S. sorghum is being sold at unfairly low prices on the Chinese market.
Arizona senator wins NAFTA commitments, releases hold on USTR nominee
Sen. Jeff Flake, from trade-sensitive Arizona, said he had secured commitments from the Trump administration to avoid “ill-advised seasonal or regional” triggers on food imports as part of the new NAFTA. In return, he has released his “hold” on the White House nominee for chief U.S. agricultural trade negotiator.