Trade

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Exports of American beef and pork were lower in the first month of 2021, a result the U.S. Meat Export Federation says is due to “COVID-related obstacles and significant transportation and labor challenges.”

The U.S. has been in consultations with Canada since Dec. 9 over allegations that Canada has twisted its promises on dairy quotas created under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and now U.S. industry groups are pushing for quicker action.

Agreements by the U.S., European Union and the UK to suspend all tariffs tied to airplane subsidies may open the door to renewed efforts by the U.S. to strike separate free trade agreements with the British and Europeans, according to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The Biden administration on Thursday announced it is suspending some tariffs on the United Kingdom as the U.S. seeks allies to counter growing threats from “non-market economies” like China.

A key Republican says the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill Democrats are pushing through the Senate will lead to automatic cuts in farm programs and other forms of federal spending. Sen. John Boozman, the top Republican on the Senate Ag Committee, is referring to the Congressional Budget Office’s determination that the legislation would trigger the budget sequestration process under the 2011 budget law.

Brazil is the third largest wheat-importing country in the world, and while it’s already a strong customer of the U.S., representatives of American farmers say there’s plenty of room for more business as they continue a campaign to win over more Brazilian millers and bakers who make the country’s bread, cookies, cakes and pasta.

Leaders of the American Soybean Association tasked the organization with action on climate, conservation and trade policy as part of the group’s recent policy process.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday that one of his top priorities will be making sure Canada and Mexico live up to their promises under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a pact that is already showing cracks.

Democrats look to move President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package through the Senate while Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack makes his case for the new administration’s priorities to farm groups this week for the first time in his return to his old job.

The Biden administration is seeking to avoid the practice of creating winners and losers as it tries to expand international trade, Katherine Tai, the nominee to be the next U.S. Trade Representative, told senators Thursday.