USTR's Callahan Says Tariff Policy Delivering Results For Agriculture
Brownfield
The Trump administration’s top ag trade official says the tariff policy has been a game changer for the industry.
“The current trade policy of restoring reciprocity and balance, I don’t see it going away.”
Julie Callhan, chief ag negotiator with the Office of the United States Trade Representative says the strategy has reduced the trade deficit by more than $4 billion in one year. “We are a powerhouse of ag producers. There’s no reason why we should have a spiraling ag trade deficit. We are actively working to boost ag exports.”
She told attendees at the Yeutter Institute Sypmposium at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Tuesday, that the strategy has created opportunities in countries that previously had barriers. “Malaysia and Indonesia are major growing expansive markets with growing middle class. U.S. ag stakeholders have wanted to expand market access in this region, southeast Asia.”
Callahan says the USTR has negotiated nearly 20 agreements with some across the finish line and others finalizing details.