In contrast to the previous four years, trade has been at the forefront since January, and the pace has not slowed as we reach year-end.
In recent weeks the administration has begun the mandatory six-year review of the U.S-Canada-Mexico Agreement, announced trade deals and frameworks with several Latin American and Asian partners, updated the Agreement on Trade and Agricultural Products with Israel, and inked a major agreement with People’s Republic of China which eases tensions and resumes Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans.
This week President Trump announced a $12 billion temporary support package for U.S. agriculture, known as Farmer Bridge Assistance Payments.These onetime payments will serve as a temporary bridge for American producers in light of volatile market conditions due to weather, input prices, disease, and unfair practices from some trade partners.While supporting producers during this critical time is important, it is not a permanent solution. Nebraska farmers and ranchers want to sell their goods at home and abroad for a fair price. To this end, it is critical the administration continue opening new markets and ensuring fair treatment of American agriculture.
