American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented today on the breakdown of trade talks between the United States and Canada, and the imposition of additional damaging tariffs.
“Canada has been one of the most important trading partners for U.S. agriculture since our first free trade agreement in 1989. We are concerned that talks with our northern neighbor around a resolution to Section 338 tariffs have fallen apart in the midst of the USMCA review. We strongly urge the U.S. and Canada to return to the negotiating table and find a resolution.
“Our strong agreements with Canada and Mexico have eliminated nearly all tariffs for U.S. agriculture, allowing the majority of our farm products to enter those markets duty- and quota-free. Additional tariff escalations and subsequent retaliation will hurt U.S. agriculture at a time when farmers and ranchers are already struggling.
“Agricultural exports are a critical component of farm success. More broadly, they create a positive ripple effect across the economy. That’s why we need a de-escalation of tariffs and a renewal of the USMCA that maintains duty-free market access for U.S. agriculture.”
