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Perdue sets Labor Day as trade relief package deadline

U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says by Labor Day he hopes to announce plans to help farmers impacted by trade disputes with China.

While any details for an aid package continue to be kept quiet, USDA Under Secretary for Trade & Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney tells Brownfield mitigation efforts could come in several forms.  “I’m delighted the president and the secretary, and I’ve echoed that as well, have said we’re going to backstop our American farmer.”

Many experts question how USDA will be able to quantify lost market share from the trade disputes especially with so many different commodities targeted which use diverse marketing platforms.

China announced tariffs on U.S. imports including pork, ethanol and apples this April in response to President Trump’s aluminum and steel tariffs.

China is also expected to retaliate against U.S. tariffs on Chinese high-tech products starting July 6th. Agricultural goods targeted include soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton, rice, sorghum, beef, pork, poultry, fish, dairy products, nuts, and vegetables.

The Trump administration has responded by preparing another $200-billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods if China follows through on its retaliation.

AUDIO: Press interview with Under Secretary Ted McKinney