Perdue Happy Tariffs Don’t Apply To NAFTA Members

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says he appreciates flexibilities given to some U.S. trading partners within recently announced tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.  In terms of the 25% tariff on steel imports and 10% tariff on aluminum imports and exemptions built in for specific nations.

"I'm grateful frankly, and we have worked for the flexibility to make sure Canada and Mexico during these NAFTA negotiations were not included, as well as, another door to say 'EU come, let's talk."

While some Ag interests worry about retaliatory tariffs against U.S. farm and food exports, the Secretary points to a different concern.

"Everything you do with agriculture touches steel, all this equipment and from a cost stand-point of production is one threat, we have to be concerned about that," Perdue added.

The tariff on steel imports is slated to take effect next Friday.

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