Latest News From Trade

Proposed Stimulus Check Could Help Soften the Blow at the Pump
Proposed Stimulus Check Could Help Soften the Blow at the Pump

Lawmakers introduce a bill to send an energy rebate any month the national average gas price exceeds $4 per gallon for the remainder of 2022.

President Biden likely to address War, Food and Fuel Costs, Ocean Shipping Reform
President Biden likely to address War, Food and Fuel Costs, Ocean Shipping Reform

Expect Russia's invasion of Ukraine to dominate the State of the Union address tonight. As for issues affecting agriculture, there may be few details offered, says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

U.S. Trade Tactics to Evolve with China's Infrastructure Plan
U.S. Trade Tactics to Evolve with China's Infrastructure Plan

With the U.S. on the back end of COVID-19 and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine unraveling, USTR Katherine Tai says her office is currently focused on three themes: resilience, sustainability and competition.

China to Buy 40,000T of Pork for State Reserves in Bid to Support Poor Pork Prices

China will buy 40,000 tonnes of pork for its central state reserves this week, in the first round of such stockpiling this year, China Merchandise Reserve Management Center said on Monday.

U.S. Ag Exports Shatter Records in 2021
U.S. Ag Exports Shatter Records in 2021

The top 10 export markets all saw gains in 2021, with six of the 10 (China, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, the Philippines and Colombia) setting new records.

U.S. December Exports to China Drop, Cementing 'Phase 1' Purchases Shortfall
U.S. December Exports to China Drop, Cementing 'Phase 1' Purchases Shortfall

U.S. goods exports to China fell in December, cementing a $45 billion increase in the 2021 U.S.-China trade deficit and a major two-year shortfall in Beijing's purchase commitments under the "Phase 1" trade deal.

Will The USDA Pop-Up Site Solve The Clogged Ports Issue?
Will The USDA Pop-Up Site Solve The Clogged Ports Issue?

Rep. Garamendi says the USDA partnership with the Port of Oakland “isn’t going to solve the problem” because shippers deliver product to the U.S. and leave ports with empty containers.

Trade Mentioned, Not a Focus of Biden-Xi Talks as China Warns U.S. It's 'Playing with Fire' on Taiwan
Trade Mentioned, Not a Focus of Biden-Xi Talks as China Warns U.S. It's 'Playing with Fire' on Taiwan

High-level talks between the U.S. and China yielded no major outcome Monday night. From human rights issues to crypto mining, leaders talked about a number of issues. Trade was mentioned but was not a priority topic.

China Presses U.S. to Cancel Tariffs in Test of Bilateral Engagement
China Presses U.S. to Cancel Tariffs in Test of Bilateral Engagement

China said on Saturday it pressed the United States to eliminate tariffs in talks between the countries' top trade officials that Washington saw as a test of bilateral engagement between the world's biggest economies.

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U.S., China Container Shipping Rates Plummet 50%, Backlog of Unfilled Orders Grows

As backlogs at U.S. ports and climbing shipping rates plague the supply chain, new data shows container shipping rates between the U.S and China are dropping by more than 50% in  just a month. 

Mandatory COOL Discussions Heat Up
Mandatory COOL Discussions Heat Up

"The shirts you and I are wearing today say where they come from, but the beef we put in the center of our plate doesn’t have to bear that label,” Sen. John Thune told Chip Flory on AgriTalk about mandatory COOL.

Record-Breaking Agricultural Exports Expected to Continue Through 2022
Record-Breaking Agricultural Exports Expected to Continue Through 2022

USDA is out with its new ag export forecast for both this year and next, and it's showing exports could hit $173.5 billion in 2021, $4 billion more than 2020, due to higher livestock, poultry and dairy exports.

Port Problems Continue as Single COVID-19 Case Partially Shutters World's Third Largest Port in China
Port Problems Continue as Single COVID-19 Case Partially Shutters World's Third Largest Port in China

Shipping issues continue to surface. The latest is in China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan container port, which is the third-busiest in the world, and has been partially shut down for six days, with no sign of reopening yet.

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U.S., Global Meat Demand Beefs Up as Cattle Industry Works to Keep Beef at Center of the Plate

Consumer and wholesale beef demand are currently at 30-year highs, and economists say there are currently limited signs of that demand slowing down, as beefed up demand is a story across the U.S. and around the world.

Tense U.S., China High-Level Meeting Wraps Up, China Says Countries are in a 'Stalemate'
Tense U.S., China High-Level Meeting Wraps Up, China Says Countries are in a 'Stalemate'

U.S. and Chinese officials met face-to-face for high-level talks, and the meeting had a tense tone as the countries remain at odds over issues from cyber security to human rights. 

Argentina Says Deal on Re-Opening Beef Exports May Be Close, Talks Continue
Argentina Says Deal on Re-Opening Beef Exports May Be Close, Talks Continue

Talks between Argentine policymakers and meat industry officials are on track to reach a deal on re-opening exports, officials said, days ahead of the expiration of the government's month-long suspension of shipments.

WTO Head Says Pandemic-Related Trade Barriers Are Rising

* Trade restrictions linked to COVID-19 have ticked up * WTO seeks to address vaccine supply bottlenecks * 'In a hurry' for deal in IP waiver talks (Adds details throughout) By Emma Farge GENEVA, June 14 (Reuters) - The

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Argentine Beef Producers Say Talks with Government to Intensify Over Export Halt

Argentine meat producers will intensify talks with the government aimed at lifting the one-month suspension of beef exports that was declared in mid-May, the country's Agroindustrial Council (CAA) said in a statement.

USDA Forecasts Farm Exports to Hit a New Record in 2021
USDA Forecasts Farm Exports to Hit a New Record in 2021

Demand for pork and grains is helping propel prices in 2021, and USDA is forecasting it to be a record year. 

USTR's Tai Tells EU Antitrust Chief She Wants "More Positive" Trade Ties
USTR's Tai Tells EU Antitrust Chief She Wants "More Positive" Trade Ties

USTR Katherine Tai on Monday told the European Union's competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, that she has a "strong desire to develop a more positive and productive" trade relationship with the EU.

Here’s What Agriculture Wants Out of U.S., China March Meeting
Here’s What Agriculture Wants Out of U.S., China March Meeting

Farmers for Free Trade wants to see a full implementation of the Phase One trade agreement. A year into the deal, there are still accountability and compliance issues with China.

A China Critic, Katherine Tai Confirmed as USTR Just Ahead of U.S, China Meetings
A China Critic, Katherine Tai Confirmed as USTR Just Ahead of U.S, China Meetings

In a unanimous Senate vote on Wednesday, Katharine Tai was confirmed as the next U.S. Trade Representative. The trade expert was confirmed with a vote of 98-0.  

Commodity Group Execs Say Biden's Top Trade Pick Tai Knows Agriculture
Commodity Group Execs Say Biden's Top Trade Pick Tai Knows Agriculture

While trade is not a headline of the Biden Administration in the first 100 days, it’s not stopping Katherine Tai from making her voice heard. Tai is now waiting full confirmation vote to put her ideas to work.

Biden’s Top Trade Pick Vows to Stay Tough on China
Biden’s Top Trade Pick Vows to Stay Tough on China

Congress got a clearer view of President Biden’s trade agenda this week as the Senate Finance Committee questioned Katherine Tai, Biden's nominee to serve as the United States Trade Representative.

Ag Groups Say Strong Chance U.S. Joins the New TPP When Biden Shifts Focus to Trade
Ag Groups Say Strong Chance U.S. Joins the New TPP When Biden Shifts Focus to Trade

Biden's USTR nominee was a key player in the USMCA negotiations, and some think USMCA may be a template for future trade talks, including the possibility of rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Looking Past China, What Are the Next Big Ag Trade Moves for Biden Administration?
Looking Past China, What Are the Next Big Ag Trade Moves for Biden Administration?

Trade seems to be taking a back seat in Washington. From COVID-19 recovery to a focus on climate, other issues are taking priority in the new White House. That's not stopping ag groups from pushing for key trade deals.

Even though official numbers won’t be released until early next week, U.S. Meat Export Federation says a promising finish to beef exports in 2020 could set the stage for record shipments in 2021.
Explosive Finish to 2020 Could Propel Beef Exports to New Record in 2021

Even though official numbers won’t be released until early next week, U.S. Meat Export Federation says a promising finish to beef exports in 2020 could set the stage for record shipments in 2021.

Here’s Why a Tough Stance on China Could Continue Under Biden Administration
Here’s Why a Tough Stance on China Could Continue Under Biden Administration

During U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s confirmation hearing in January, Yellen previewed how the Biden administration may address trade issues with China.

Is Phase One or Politics Driving China’s Record Appetite for U.S. Ag Products?
Is Phase One or Politics Driving China’s Record Appetite for U.S. Ag Products?

Whether it’s to fulfill Phase One promised, or an increased need for feed, some say the timing of the record Chinese buys isn’t a coincidence. So, what's driving the record demand from China?

Biden Says He Will Not Immediately Remove Phase 1 Trade Deal With China
Biden Says He Will Not Immediately Remove Phase 1 Trade Deal With China

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden has said that he will not immediately act to remove the Phase 1 trade agreement, which President Donald Trump inked with China, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

China has suspended imports from an OK Foods poultry plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, because of coronavirus cases among workers, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council said on Tuesday.
China Suspends Poultry Imports From Second U.S. Plant Over COVID-19

China has suspended imports from an OK Foods poultry plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, because of coronavirus cases among workers, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council said on Tuesday.

Image: Farm Journal
China Books Record Weekly U.S. Beef Purchases, Also Buys U.S. Corn

China made its largest weekly U.S. beef purchases on record last week, followed by its biggest U.S. corn deals in almost a month this week, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data released on Thursday.

China proposes standards on hormone residues in beef
China proposes standards on hormone residues in beef

China has drawn up food safety standards on residue limits of growth hormones in beef, a move seen as a further step towards opening up its market.

U.S. beef could benefit from Chinese protein shortages.
U.S. Beef May Soon Benefit From China Demand, Marfrig Says

As African swine fever leaves China with a formidable protein gap, Brazilian meat producers have been rewarded with a boom in shipments. Now, that demand burst could start spreading into the U.S.

Coronavirus Still a Threat to Livestock Markets
Coronavirus Still a Threat to Livestock Markets

Earlier at the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue addressed the scare of the coronavirus to the beef industry. It still remains a threat today.

AgDay Analysis With Cattle Expert Who Helped Officials Write NAFTA
AgDay Analysis With Cattle Expert Who Helped Officials Write NAFTA

NAFTA was a trade pact written in the early 1990s. Derrell Peel, an extension livestock specialist with Oklahoma State University, is one who aided and gave his insights when trade negotiators were writing the deal.

Expect Big U.S. Beef Exports to Korea, Japan in 2020

U.S. beef exports continue to remain strong, according to USMEF. The Federation released its year-end numbers on 2019 export sales last week, and it says beef exports are down slightly from the record year of 2018.

The U.S. and Japan reach a trade deal framework.
Trump, Abe Tout Progress on Limited Trade Deal Lowering Tariffs

Donald Trump and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe touted progress toward a limited trade agreement on Wednesday.

Japan and U.S. Officials Meet To Talk Trade
Japan and U.S. Officials Meet To Talk Trade

The U.S. and its trade counterparts with Japan are meeting and talking about a potential trade deal.

Tiff With China Continues, How Are Other Trade Deals Moving Along?
Tiff With China Continues, How Are Other Trade Deals Moving Along?

However, has there been any progress on other trade deals? With the markets swinging up and down during Monday's trading session, what is happening? AgDay and U.S. Farm Report reporter Betsy Jibben has the story.

Washington Correspondent: "I'm More Upbeat On Japan" With Trade Deal
Washington Correspondent: "I'm More Upbeat On Japan" With Trade Deal

No rest for the U.S. trade team. The negotiators meeting with Japanese officials about a possible trade deal between the two countries with an emphasis on agriculture. AgDay National Reporter Betsy Jibben has more.

In Louisiana, local prices signal the market is positioning for supply disruptions from the storm as shipping is grinding to a halt along the southern reaches of the Mississippi River.
Storm Delivers Latest Blow to Farm Economy as Elevators Shut

America’s agricultural economy is bracing for yet another hit as Tropical Storm Barry barrels toward Louisiana, with grain elevators, cotton fields and cane crops in its projected path.

May beef exports were steady year-over-year in volume, while export value increased 1% to $727.6 million – the second-highest on record.
Beef Exports Steady in May; Values Tick Up 1%

May beef exports were steady year-over-year in volume, while export value increased 1% to $727.6 million – the second-highest on record.

President Trumps 'Ups the Ante" by suggesting the U.S. should increase tariffs against China if a deal isn't reached soon.
Farmer Support For Trump Holds Strong And Steady

President Donald Trump remains in U.S. farmers’ good graces, according to the latest Farm Journal Pulse survey.

Beef exports totaled 105,241 metric tons (mt) in April, down 5% year-over-year.
April 2019 Beef Exports Lower; Demand Remains Strong in Korea, Taiwan

April exports of U.S. beef and pork were lower than a year ago while U.S. lamb exports continued their upward trend, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Japanese Market Fully Opened for U.S. Beef; Tariffs Remain Concern
Japanese Market Fully Opened for U.S. Beef; Tariffs Remain Concern

U.S. beef has full access into the Japanese market for the first time in 16 years, but it is still not at a level playing field compared to countries who remained in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.

Japanese Market Fully Opened for U.S. Beef; Tariffs Remain Concern
Japanese Market Fully Opened for U.S. Beef; Tariffs Remain Concern

U.S. beef has full access into the Japanese market for the first time in 16 years, but it is still not at a level playing field compared to countries who remained in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.

Two Hurdles Leaped for U.S. Beef, More To Do, Says NCBA's Woodall
Two Hurdles Leaped for U.S. Beef, More To Do, Says NCBA's Woodall

“Friday was a big day for us in the beef business,” said Colin Woodall, vice president of regulatory affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, told AgriTalk host Chip Flory on Monday.

This expanded access could increase U.S. beef and beef product exports to Japan by up to $200 million annually.
U.S. Beef Gains Full Access to Japan Market

Japan on Friday lifted longstanding restrictions on U.S. beef in an agreement announced by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. The move is expected to pave the way for expanded sales to the U.S.’s top beef export market.

Secretary Perdue Barbecues to Sell Japanese on Buying More US Beef
Secretary Perdue Barbecues to Sell Japanese on Buying More US Beef

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has picked up his barbeque tongs to convey his message to Japan: Buy more American beef.