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McKinney says he’s hopeful China will be able to meet phase one commitments

The USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs says he’s hopeful China will be able to meet its phase one agreement obligations.

Ted McKinney says it’s a good signal that Chinese officials haven’t asked for a reprieve from phase one commitments.  

“They, like we at the USDA, are working very hard and I mean 2 am, 4 am, 6 am, and 6 pm meetings that go for hours to go through and complete the final technical agreements,” he says. “…They haven’t missed a single deadline and either have we.”

He says he understands the concerns that the coronavirus could impact commitments, but…“The signs we’re seeing indicate they’re going to try their best, not withstanding the coronavirus and the possible implications, but remember this is March and they have until December 31,” he says. “We’re monitoring these sales on a daily basis, so we’ll see.

McKinney spoke to media at the Ohio Farm Bureau County Presidents Trip on Wednesday in Washington DC.