Newhouse Encouraged On Trade Front As Lawmakers Return From Easter Break

While much of the talk from Washington D.C. has circled around the Muller Report and Bill Barr’s testimony, Representative Dan Newhouse says there’s a lot for the Ag community to be excited about.  The Central Washington Republican said he’s encouraged about the direction of ongoing trade agreements.  He said USMCA is vital not only for Northwest Ag, but American agriculture as a whole.

Newhouse said he’s hopeful especially after Mexico’s recent vote to address labor practices in that country, that USMCA will be addressed sooner rather than later.

“It’s absolutely necessary for us as we move forward in the growing season, and such an important part of our economic picture, so, I’m pushing for consideration to have that vote as soon as possible.”

In addition to that several reports indicate the U.S. and China could announce a trade agreement before the end of May.  And Newhouse said the good news does not stop there.

“The Secretary of Agriculture just announcing that an agreement with the country of Japan is very close as well, I’m looking forward to some much better outlooks for our marketing year as we come up into the 2019 growing season.”

Newhouse noted a variety of commodities have been negatively impacted by trade wars, and a lack of trade agreement, which makes trade agreements even more urgent.

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