Agriculture Takes Front Row at Trade Policy Hearing

WASHINGTON, DC – The House Ways and Means Committee met virtually on Wednesday to discuss the 2020 Trade Policy Agenda, hearing from U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer. Agriculture was a recurring theme throughout the hearing as many members wanted details on how Canada will, under the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), change their rules regarding milk and imports. Lighthizer stopped short of telling members how Canada might achieve the requirement before the official implementation of the agreement on July 1, 2020. Other members wanted more information on China, the Phase One trade agreement, and why the Trump administration continues to place tariffs on U.S. customers. Lighthizer explained that some might only see purchases of soybeans in the Phase One agreement, but they may not understand the ground gained in the areas of forced technology transfers, approval of biotech varieties, and elimination of many sanitary and phytosanitary barriers. Overall, members from both sides of the aisle praised the work of the USTR and the Ambassador’s willingness to work with members on crafting trade agreement priorities.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)