American and Chinese delegates on Wednesday concluded trade discussions in Beijing, China. One farm organizations thoughts about the recent meeting, up next.
Trade discussions between the world?s two largest economies heightened six months ago. United States agricultural producers fell victim to China?s retaliatory response. Bill Gordon, American Soybean Association vice-president, talks about the tariffs crippling effects.
?It definitely affects bottom line. It?s a two-dollar, give or take, reduction in our domestic price – Some of it being basis markets, some of it being export markets,? Gordon said. ?It?s having an impact at home, in rural America. We?re glad to see there?s been some movement in a positive direction.?
One might argue that soybean farmers have taken the biggest hit. However, the producer group remains optimistic about what is yet to come. Gordon says, ?By getting in the same room and having some discussions, hopefully we (the United States) can move forward.?
?We need to get these tariffs off and a trade agreement in place,? Gordon said. ?We have been working with them (China) for years to get equal, fair trade. Hopefully with these discussions, we can bridge the gap and get more of an equal trade. We need to keep dialogue going, get rid of tariffs and utilize free trade agreements with China. Imagine what we could do if we had two of the world?s largest economies working together instead of apart.?
The American Soybean Association plans to focus on trade this year, and ?not just trade in China.?
?We?ve been working around the world with USSEC, USB and the private industry. We?ve been working on trade deals around the world, and never did stop with the China issue and these tariffs,? Gordon said.
