“It’s an unstable situation and we commend President Trump for making good on his commitment to watch out for the interests of American farmers with this short-term measure.”
The USDA announced the details of the $12 billion aid package for American farmers yesterday, which has a budget for the pork industry, an NPPC release said yesterday.
This package includes a nearly $559 million purchase of pork for federal and child nutrition programs, $200 million for developing markets for American agricultural products and some direct payments to farmers, the release said.
Indeed, all eligible U.S. pork producers will receive $8 per hog based on 50 percent of the number of animals they owned on Aug. 1.
U.S. pork exports to China dropped 9 percent through June – mainly because of the additional 50 percent retaliatory tariff China imposed on American pork, the release said.
Exports to Mexico have also fallen since that country imposed a 20 percent duty in July.
NPPC is pushing for the administration to swiftly settle a new trade agreement with Mexico, restoring the zero-tariff rate on pork products, the release said. Officials have achieved progress in this area as U.S. and Mexico announced agreement on a framework for a new trade deal yesterday as well.
“While we recognize the complexities of resetting U.S. trade policy, we hope that U.S. pork will soon regain the chance to compete on a level playing field in key markets around the globe,” Monroe said.
“The United States produces the safest, highest quality and most affordable pork in the world. … When we compete on a level field, we do very well, delivering considerable benefits to the U.S. economy.”
RGtimeline/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo