Vilsack on Chinese Ag Purchases Pt 2
I’m Bob Larson. No matter what steps the Biden administration takes to ensure China fulfills its Phase
One trade obligations, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says it’s important to do no harm to American farmers, ranchers, and businesses …
VILSACK … “There are industries that have been impacted and affected, and consumers in the United States who have been impacted or affected, by some of the tariffs that have been assessed. And I think it's important for us to take a strategic look, if you will, at the tariffs to make sure that what we're doing isn't necessarily being harmful to American business or American consumers but is sending the appropriate message to our Chinese friends. I think it's a combination of, basically, you've got to live up to the agreement you've reached and a recalibration in terms of the actions that were taken in the previous administration to make sure that we're not inadvertently harming our own businesses and consumers.”
Vilsack says while China has been a good customer for American agriculture, the U.S. must continue to find other steady buyers of American commodities …
VILSACK … “In terms of Ambassador Tai’s characterization, I think it's fair to say that American agriculture has obviously benefited from the purchases being made by China and that a lot of work and effort went into establishing relationships in China. Having said that, I think it is important that we continue to look for ways in which we can diversify our efforts.”
Vilsack says we certainly appreciate the recent efforts in Vietnam where tariffs have come down and certain barriers have been negotiated away so the trade becomes easier.
