U.S. Evaluates Trading Partners

Clip Season 48 Episode 4834
The Office of the United State Trade Representative released its annual report on foreign trade barriers last week.

The Office of the United State Trade Representative released its annual report on foreign trade barriers last week, and the listing of limits to U.S. exports is extensive.

Transcript

The Office of the United State Trade Representative released its annual report on foreign trade barriers last week, and the listing of limits to U.S. exports is extensive.

China remains a significant challenge for trade. The signing of the “Phase One” agreement in January, 2020, expanded market access for a variety of American export products. But the report notes a lack of action on commitments on agricultural biotechnology and fulfilling promises on commodity purchases in the long term. 

China’s goal to become self-sufficient in multiple industrial and technological sectors is a long-term concern. Developing economic independence requires a wide scope of state intervention and support, and would exacerbate market distortions in multiple areas. 

Despite  the zero-tariff environment created by the USMCA, pact partners Canada and Mexico both present trading challenges. 

Mexico has blocked the import of Glyphosate and herbicides that use the chemical as well as moving forward with a phase out of all Glyphosate products in the country. Mexico has also banned future imports of genetically modified corn, and has proposed ending the use of GMO cotton in the country. The U.S. has demanded technical talks with the nation’s number three trading partner. 

Canada, America’s number two trading partner also is on the USTR’s list. Domestic supply management systems for dairy, eggs and poultry hamper the importation of those products from the United States. The system of agricultural marketing boards tries to match production to domestic demand, which increases the amount paid by Canadian consumers, leaving little room for imports. The U.S. continues to push its northern neighbor to import higher amounts of milk protein products and cheese.

For Market to Market, I’m Peter Tubbs.

Read the Full Transcript

Watch More

    EpisodeSeason51Episode5137
    The Farm Bill clears the House with an unknown future. The Supreme Court takes up the issue of cancer warnings for RoundUp. Extremes in weather from tornadoes to rain to wildfires hit across the country. And, commodity market analysis with Arlan Suderman.
    ClipSeason51Episode5137
    Cotton, Hormuz Straight, inflation, energies, the Mexican border closure, drought and the Fed's balance sheet are all topics covered in our Market Plus.
    ClipSeason51Episode5137
    Arlan Suderman breaks down the impact of global weather on the wheat, corn and soybean markets in addition to inflation already showing up in commodities in our Market Analysis
    ClipSeason51Episode5137
    After three years of delays, the U.S. House passed a new version of the Farm Bill. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate.
    ClipSeason51Episode5137
    A week of fires, floods and severe weather covered much of the country.
    ClipSeason51Episode5137
    Attorneys gave oral arguments were given in front of the U.S. Supreme Court this week over whether or not labels on the controversial herbicide Roundup needed to be specific about being a potential cancer risk.