Statement on Ag Purchases and Phase One Agreement

Dec 16, 2019

"While any relief is welcome, one-time purchases are not a substitute for sustained market access into one of American agriculture’s largest export markets. Only ending the trade war will provide farmers with the certainty they need to reestablish productive trading relationships with China and return to reliable yearly export levels.

“There are rightfully many doubts about the President’s claim that China will purchase $50 billion in ag products in a single year - more than twice the level of pre-trade war annual purchases. First, China has yet to confirm this pledge or provide any details on how they will meet it. Second, because the trade war has given a leg up to our competitors, China now sources ag from an even more diverse array of countries, making it difficult, if not impossible, to quickly purchase such a large amount solely from the U.S. Finally, market realities including supply and demand as well as inspections and regulations all create enormous barriers to completing these purchases next year.

“Our hope is that this is not another empty political promise to farmers. Since the trade war began, farmers have shouldered an enormous economic burden and repeatedly been promised deals that have not materialized. We appreciate that this agreement reduces the percentage of a portion of overall tariffs and focuses on commitments from China to American farmers. However, considering the vast amount of damage done to the ag economy, the U.S. and China need to get back to the negotiating table immediately to come to a comprehensive agreement that provides concrete relief now.”

Source : Farmers for Free Trade
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