USDA Looks To Open Trade In Philippines, Thailand

Undersecretary of Agriculture Ted McKinney said the Philippines and Thailand areas are demanding Ag products.  He made those comments recently when wrapping up a trade mission to both of those countries.  Yes, demand is high, but McKinney added that, in general, tariffs on U-S food and ag products also are very high.

"And I'm just speaking about tariffs in general and not because of some push-back on steel and aluminum tariffs that we have imposed on them. So, we're working to get those down. I think we made some headway."

McKinney says he talked with trade officials also about other barriers.  For example, Thailand is still not allowing U.S. chilled or frozen turkey into the country because of the U-S bird flu outbreak from two years ago.

So McKinney said American producers are seeking market access as well as  reductions in the high tariffs imposed by Thailand and the Philippines.  McKinney noted in an effort to sell more American Ag products to those two nations and elsewhere in the world, they're leaving no stone unturned.

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