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China is continuing to follow through on promises to remove non-tariff barriers to U.S. farm commodities, according to a new compilation of goals that China agreed to in the “phase one” agreement that went into effect last month.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who insists he’s optimistic about a farm economy rebound this year, faces a pair of congressional hearings this week where he is certain to face further grilling about trade prospects and future of the Market Facilitation Program.

Chinese importers have been applying for — and getting — tariff exemptions to buy U.S. dairy products as a result of the “phase one” trade agreement, U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Tom Vilsack tells Agri-Pulse.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says there is less than a 10% chance that farmers will get more Market Facilitation Program payments this year and that China is sending “signals” it intends to honor its pledges to ramp up purchases of U.S. farm commodities.

China is still battling to contain coronavirus infections, but the U.S. ag sector is taking heart in signs that industry there is coming back to life in time for trade to resume under the “phase one” trade deal.

A measurement of producer optimism set a record in February, eclipsing the old record set only one month earlier, but a survey to determine that measurement occurred before some key events last month.

The United Kingdom, now free from the European Union, published negotiating objectives Monday for a free trade agreement with the U.S., and improving agriculture imports and exports will be key during talks that are expected to begin in the next several weeks, British government officials said.

The biofuel industry is eagerly anticipating a decision from the Trump administration on future small refinery exemptions this week, while Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue heads to Capitol Hill for a grilling on the Market Facilitation Program, food stamps and other issues.

The Trump administration’s imposition of tariffs on imported steel, which resulted in retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of farm goods, has survived a constitutional challenge in the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

The split between lawmakers and farmers over President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and the results of a “phase one” deal was highlighted Wednesday at a hearing on Capitol Hill.