Perdue Tempers Optimism On 'Phase One' Ag Sales To China

By Chuck Abbott

Successful Farming

Five weeks after saying he was hopeful China would import $36.6 billion of U.S. food, agricultural and seafood products this year, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is less certain the target will be met. A spate of sales to China during August and September has raised hopes in farm country that the goal, set in the “phase one” trade agreement, would be met despite a slow start.