Trump and Chinese Agree to “Phase One” Deal

WASHINGTON, DC – From the Oval Office in the White House, President Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He announced an agreement between the U.S. and China, aimed at ending a year-long trade war. Trump called the Phase One agreement big for farmers, ranchers, and growers. Though not signed by the leaders of both countries, both sides seem to express solidarity in the deal. However, after many other so-called “agreements in the past nine months with the Chinese, some ag groups are hesitant to believe that China will purchase between $40 and $50 billion in agricultural goods from the United States. Later in the day, Trump told reporters that the purchases would be over two years. If realized, a $20 to $25 billion annual purchase from China would be more than the past two years, but below the peak years of 2012-2014 when the Chinese averaged $29 billion in U.S. ag imports. Trump said he expects to sign the final Phase One deal with Chinese President Xi Xianping in the next four to six weeks. In addition to the commodity purchases, the agreement is expected to address the many concerns American farmers have had with sanitary and phytosanitary issues. Details are expected soon.