USDA Undersecretary McKinney optimistic on trade progress

by | Nov 5, 2019 | 5 Ag Stories, News

We have two big question marks on two big trade fronts. The United States ? Mexico ? Canada Agreement (USMCA) and a partial Chinese trade deal are very much in limbo. Negotiators are putting the finishing touches on a Chinese agreement, while the USMCA is hung up in the House of Representatives. One United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) official is confident we will get it done.

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney feels talks between the White House and the People?s House are progressing well.

McKinney is optimistic that finalizing USMCA will give us support in finishing other deals.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation event in Chile was hoped to be the stage at which President Trump and Chinese President Xi could sign an agreement. Due to civil unrest, Chile canceled the event. McKinney says he is confident the Presidents can find another place to sign the agreement when the time comes.

This weekend President Trump was asked about alternative sites for signing a deal. The President says he would like to sign it in the United States and felt President Xi would go along with that. When asked for more specific locations, the President had an interesting response: ?maybe Iowa.?

President Trump says his primary concern is getting a trade agreement with China, then he will worry about where they will meet to sign it.