|
For Immediate Release: Friday, July 6, 2018
FR: Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
TO: Iowa Reporters and Editors
RE: China tariffs on U.S. ag products
Iowa
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement on
China’s tariffs on a number of U.S. agricultural
products that have gone into effect today. The products targeted by China include
soybeans, corn, pork, beef and poultry.
“The
continued escalation of trade tensions with China is having a real impact on
Iowa farmers and businesses. We have seen a significant drop in prices for both
crops and livestock and this is creating even more stress and uncertainty
during what was already a difficult time for the ag economy.
“There
are real issues in our trade relationship with China that need to be addressed,
but Iowa agriculture cannot continue to bear the brunt of the retaliation from
our trading partners.
“The
Administration needs to move forward quickly to provide market certainty for
farmers for this year and as they plan ahead for 2019. I will continue to
work with the Governor and our federal delegation to urge the quick resolution
of the current disputes with China and our NAFTA trading partners, and also to
develop new export markets for Iowa products. It is also important for the
Administration to protect our critically important renewable fuels market by
maintaining the ethanol and biodiesel levels required by law and allow for the
year round sale of E15.”
-30-
For more information, contact Dustin Vande Hoef, (515) 281-3375 or (515) 326-1616 (cell) or Dustin.VandeHoef@IowaAgriculture.gov
|
