China & Phase 1 Commitments and U.S.-U.K. Negotiations
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.**As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues, the USDA and the FDA have been working on many fronts to support the U.S. food and agriculture sector so Americans continue to have access to a safe and robust food supply.
As a next step, both agencies announced a Memorandum of Understanding to help prevent interruptions at FDA-regulated food facilities, including fruit and vegetable processing.
This is an important effort as we approach peak harvesting seasons, when many U.S. fruits and vegetables are sent to be frozen or canned.
**Top Trump administration officials are touting China's commitments so far in implementing the phase one trade deal with the U.S., even as the coronavirus has strained relations between the countries.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer tells agrimarketing.com China is working to expand access for U.S. producers.
And Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue was also upbeat about recent steps China has taken to open its market to U.S. avocados, blueberries, barley, meat, dairy and forage products.
https://www.agrimarketing.com/s/130595
**U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and United Kingdom International Trade Secretary Liz Truss recently concluded their first round of trade negotiations.
The meetings, conducted virtually, included nearly 30 different negotiating groups covering all aspects of a trade agreement, including market access for goods and agriculture.
A second virtual round of negotiations will be held the weeks of June 15 and 22.