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American Soybean Association says phase one deal is a good first step

American Soybean Association CEO Ryan Findlay says soybean farmers should be pleased with the phase one trade agreement with China.

“I think what we need to thankful for is the language that is in the agreement that will impact agriculture mid- to long-term,” he says. “It’s the sanitary and phytosanitary language that makes it easier for China to import US beef, pork, poultry and it’s the language in the agreement that helps with the biotechnology challenges.”

He says there is a lot of focus on China’s commitment to buy at least $80 billion in ag products over the next two years. 

“I think we really need to wait and see if China can do that,” he says. “That’s a lot of agricultural commodities.”

He says it’s also important to note that the trade war continues.

“The tariffs are still there and there’s still a long way to go,” he says. “So, while this is an important first step, it is only a first step and we need to make sure we get to phase two and beyond to get rid of the tariffs and normalize trade.”

Brownfield interviewed Findlay at the 2020 National Biodiesel Board Conference and Expo.