United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says a potential trade dispute with China could have negative consequences on the new farm bill Congress is currently working on.
Politico says Congress may need to factor in possible trade disruptions while working on new legislation. China announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on dozens of U.S. farm products, including soybeans and beef. China would impose such tariffs if the United States were to follow through on its threat to impose a 25% tariff on Chinese goods.
The Chinese announcement came as Perdue traveled on his third RV tour of rural America. Perdue tried to reassure Ohio producers that the Administration would not allow farmers to be casualties, if the trade war escalates. However, he did say Congress may have to draw up a farm bill designed to help producers in case the dispute gets worse.
Senate Ag Chair Pat Roberts said last month that a special payment – because of a trade dispute – would complicate an already tough funding situation. USDA does have broad authority to distribute emergency funding to stabilize the agricultural economy if it becomes necessary.
