Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts says he’s talked to President Trump about his concerns with the current trade deal with Japan and hopes to build on that to reach a successful bi-lateral agreement. Ricketts says the U.S. can reach a more beneficial deal with the top trading partner outside of the Trans Pacific Partnership.
He says Japan has been a huge and important trading partner for Nebraska farmers and they have worked with them directly for many years to develop that market.
Ricketts they’re optimistic about a bi-lateral deal with Japan and other key export countries after attending a trade conference with Japanese and U.S. officials, including USDA Under Secretary Ted McKinney and USTR Chief Ag Negotiator Gregg Doud where they talked about trade.
He says Nebraska farmers and ranchers are already hurting due to low commodity prices and won’t be able to survive if the trade war isn’t resolved soon.
