Agricultural News
China Trade Talks Seem to be Progressing Well, But You Know China... You Really Never Can Tell
Thu, 04 Apr 2019 12:18:48 CDT
The Trump Administration is really engaged right now in attempting to pull together multiple trade deals, starting with China. Colin Woodall, senior director of governmental affairs for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, says he is impressed with the Administration's effort to finalize these deals and maintains his optimism that they can get the job done.
"The Administration is hustling and they're doing a good job. Of course, top of mind right now is China and we are very optimistic on where those discussions are going," Woodall said. "Specifically for us in the cattle business, we continue to push for alleviation of the ban that they have on beta-agonists and the use of implant hormones."
Both of those issues remain on the table currently and Woodall says that Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Ambassador Gregg Doud, continues to push for that. Woodall expresses confidence that these trade barriers could eventually be brought down and serve to mutually benefit both US producers and Chinese consumers. Woodall remarked that if this were the case, it would be a tremendous victory for the beef cattle industry.
Woodall says that the level of detail being discussed at this juncture is a very promising sign that the negotiations are going well. He believes if this deal were going south, these specific details would not even be paid any attention. However, Woodall reminds us that this is China we are dealing with, underscoring China's notorious habit of stringing things along and suddenly cutting ties when it seems like things are headed in the right direction. Essentially, Woodall says that while things seem to be going well - really at this point anything is possible but believes the Trump Administration is working hard to solidify a deal once and for all. In the meantime, the nation continues to wait on Congress to ratify the USCMA deal, though the Democrat led House is in no rush to help President Trump deliver on a campaign promise.
Listen to Woodall discuss the progress of these trade negotiations with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, on today's Beef Buzz - brought to by the American Angus Association. America's breed.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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