While tariff talk continues to dominate trade headlines, United States agriculture groups are still hoping negotiators come up with a NAFTA remake this year. One of the major sticking points remains Canada’s Class 7 milk pricing policy, which Canada says is a non-starter. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation says the urgency comes as Canada has flooded the world market with its milk proteins and lessened the price of dairy products in several states.
He’s pleased Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has joined NMPF in insisting U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer secure meaningful concessions from Canada to provide stable market access for U.S. dairy producers.
Galen says while his group is watching what happens with trade and tariff issues, their main trade concern revolves around the NAFTA discussions.
Schumer said this week that it’s important to address the Canadian dairy policy through the NAFTA talks where it can be done quickly, rather than waiting for years for a WTO determination.
