Trade discussions between the United States and the European Union have hit a snag. EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan says the chances of making a free trade deal in the near future aren’t good. That’s after U.S. Trade Representative Robert LIghthizer blasted the E.U. on its trade policies. American Soybean Association President Bill Gordon who farms near Worthington, Minnesota says that trade deal is important for U.S. agriculture and is hoping this is just a temporary glitch.
He says one of the main hurdles that needs to be overcome is the E.U.’s rejection of biotech crops.
Gordon says while agriculture is usually the simplest part of any trade deal to achieve, and there may be some snags with the E.U., the major sticking points relate to automobiles, labor and higher value issues.
Another possible sticking point on an E.U. U.S. agreement is the E.U.’s policy of only signing trade pacts with those countries who are member of the Paris Climate Accord and the U.S. is not.
