Tariffs

Tariffs

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Pres. Trump recently announced $50 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods and that has led to considerable concern about what retaliatory tariffs could do to US agriculture. A group of North Dakota farmers and ranchers met with Trump administration officials on the same day the tariffs were announced. The meeting happened as a result of a request from Congressman Kevin Kramer and included commerce Sec. Wilbur Ross and White House legislative affairs director Mark Short. One of the people in the room for the discussion was North Dakota farmer and National corn growers Association president Kevin Schoonis. He said he understands why the administration might be looking to address issues with China, but wishes the American farmer didn't have to bear so much of the resulting load. "It seems like it is the responsibility of the US farmer to always take care of this and it would be nice if we could get our good allies and trading partners to also participate in this and we wouldn't have to shoulder the whole responsibility of trying to get China to get back to the bargaining table and play by the rules." Schoonis says the trade dispute could prove costly for the Trump administration in rural America. "Certainly the trump administration has support out in the countryside and farmers.
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