Could U.S. Rejoin TPP To Address China Trade Problem?

One of the first things President Trump did after taking office was to pull the United State out of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership.  However, the President's tune changed slightly back in April.

"I don't want to go back into TPP,” Trump said.  “but if they offered us a deal that I can't refuse on behalf of the United States.  I would do it."

Fast-forward to today, the U.S. is a trade battle with China, a nation NOT in the TPP, a nation that's been the number-one foreign customer for U-S farm goods.

"We probably made a mistake as American producers becoming so dependent on the China market. It was easy, they're big, and we probably became more dependent on them then they became on us,” said Ag Secretary Secretary Sonny Perdue.

He added that if China does not relent and negotiate with the U.S., "I'm gonna suggest to the President that we regain our partners in the T-P-P and put a united front against China."

However, Perdue he did not put a timeline on when he might do that.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com