u.s. trade representative

A new report estimates that the recently finalized U.S. port fees on Chinese-operated or built vessels could increase shipping costs for American Ag exporters

The Trump administration is considering a different plan for fees on Chinese ships visiting U.S. ports.  The Economic Times said significant pushback against the plan came from industries that all said the idea would bring economic devastation.  The cha...

On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new United States Trade Representative.  Greer is a trade lawyer who served as chief of staff to then-USTR Robert Lighthizer during the previous Trump administration.   Five Democrats and 51 Republicans voted for the confirmation.   Many ...

President Trump’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative was challenged repeatedly at his Senate confirmation hearing last week over Trump’s tariff wars and their harm to farmers and consumers.  Jamieson Greer, the former USTR Chief of Staff during Trump's first term, came under swift and even ‘hot’ questioning by Finance Committee senators over the President’s newest tariff war with Canada, Mexico, a

Jamieson Greer is President-elect Trump’s nominee for U.S. Trade Representative.  Greer was an aide in the office during Trump’s first term and will help steer the incoming president’s trade agenda.  A graduate of the University of Virginia’s Law School, Greer was chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. Trade Rep during Trump’s first term in o...

The USDA is forecasting a record farm trade deficit next year, which raises the specter of an earlier debate and questions over the administration’s policy not to do free trade agreements.  The $42.5 billion farm trade deficit, if realized, again raises the issue of the administration rejecting market-opening free trade deals.   “...

The Biden administration recently proposed tariff increases on goods entering the country from China.  The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will make its final determination later this month.   In May, the administration announced plans to raise Section 301 tariff rates on select goods from China, including electric vehicles, solar cells, and semiconductors.  Supply Chain...

R-CALF USA is making a push for Congress to consider mandatory country-of-origin labeling of beef.  The organization is encouraging its members and others to show their support to lawmakers for the American Beef Labeling Act.  The bill was introduced by Republican Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, alongside Democrats Jon Tester and Cory Booker last month.     The legi...

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow says she’s hopeful the Senate will confirm three agriculture nominees this week by unanimous consent.     Oregon Department of Agriculture head Alexis Taylor is the nominee for USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs; Jose Emilio Esteban is nominated for USDA undersecretary for food safety; while Vincent Logan is the nominee for the Farm Credi

President Biden’s pick to be the next Chief Ag Negotiator says, if confirmed, he’ll engage with China to step up its production of fertilizer ingredients as farm input costs here soar.  Doug McKalip speaking before the Senate Finance Committee Thursday said if confirmed, farm input inflation will be a top priority. “These are t...