Trump Signals New China Trade Deal Is Near

(WASHINGTON, DC) In a sign that negotiators may be closing in on a trade deal, President Trump announced on Monday that he has agreed to delay U.S. tariff hikes scheduled to hit more Chinese goods on Friday. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue also said that a number of agricultural issues were still on the table and it seemed to be a good sign that the Chinese extended their stay over the weekend. Despite the announcement from the Chinese last week to buy more soybeans from the United States and more ag products in general, Perdue warned that the U.S. will not be “bought off”. At the heart of the issue for the U.S. is forced technology transfers, currency manipulation, and unfair trade practices. A key component for achieving a final deal will also be how the agreement will be enforced. For agriculture, an agreement cannot come quick enough. Soybean and cotton groups have been quick to point out that one of their largest exports markets – if not the largest – has been closed for a year as the two economic giants spar over a new trade agreement.