U.S.-China Deal Needed by March 2019

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer says the U.S. and China must reach a trade agreement by March.  Lighthizer said March 1st is a “hard deadline” for a long-term deal to be reached between the two nations.  Lighthizer said the administration wants additional market access for U.S. producers and structural changes by China to protect American technology.  If an agreement cannot be reached, more tariffs are expected, according to Lighthizer.  Currently, while tariffs remain in place, the two nations agreed to a ceasefire that will stop any future tariff announcements, if the two nations stay engaged in trade talks.

U.S. agriculture is eager for China to remove tariffs on U.S. farm products, and awaiting the Trump-announced China purchases of agricultural commodities, as part of the recent G20 talks between China and the United States.

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