Chief U.S. Ag Trade Negotiator Gregg Doud says progress is being made with the phase one trade agreement with China as they’ve been purchasing more corn and soybeans lately. American Soybean Association President Bill Gordon who farms near Worthington, Minnesota shares that optimism and is encouraged by the recent purchases.
He says although there was some trade hiccups earlier with the Trump administration when tariffs originally went into effect against China, that has improved and the President’s trade agenda has paid off with more purchases of U.S. commodities in several trade deals.
Gordon says while China had been behind on their Phase one trade commitments, it’s important to note they like U.S. agriculture has been under economic pressure including their troubles with African Swine Fever which decimated their hog herd.
Gordon says the Trump administration came through with the USMCA trade deal. And he says there are future trade prospects for U.S. soybeans in North Africa and possibly a trade pact in the offing with India as well as more business in Southeast Asia going forward.
