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Ag trade official touts Biden administration’s trade approach

The chief ag negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative focused on the Biden administration’s approach to trade at the National Farmers Union Convention.

Doug McKalip says “the strength from the top really puts us in a stronger position as we engage with trading partners and work to get the best deal possible for American farmers.”

The Biden administration isn’t negotiating new trade deals, but instead focusing on enforcing existing trade deals and overcoming non-tariff trade barriers, an approach that has received criticism from some in agriculture who would like to see the United States re-enter the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

He says the U.S. is now better positioned for more difficult conversations with its trading partners and others around the globe.

Earlier this year, McKalip told Brownfield the Biden administration would stick with the strategy to improve existing trade relationships over the next few months.

McKalip attended the National Farmers Union Convention in Scottsdale earlier this week.