Pork producers have taken a big economic hit from the trade war between the United States and China. That battle escalated this week with the Trump Administration threatening another $200 billion of retaliatory tariffs. U.S. pork imports to China are already subject to a 25-percent tariff that took effect April 2, with the next 25-percent kicking in July 6. Centerville pork producer Craig Andersen, serves on the South Dakota and National Pork Producers Council. He says pork is no longer just at the tip of the spear.
Andersen says the tariff battle has negatively impacted the hog market as prices have been held back from their normal seasonal rally.
He says while the trade deficit with China looks justifiable on paper, it’s not uncommon to have a deficit with countries that don’t share the same standard of living or income as the U.S.
Top Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro said Tuesday the administration was working on measures to protect agriculture from retaliatory tariffs threatened by China.
