Ambassador Robert Lighthizer
Ambassador Robert Lighthizer
Farmers and Ranchers in the US continue to be concerned about trade, and tariffs.
U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, discussed some recent trade successes for AG with a senate panel in Washington.
Lighthizer defended the administration's position by noting that "a lot of people across the economy" are being hurt by "predatory practices" that have become "status quo." But he added that he would look into whether the USDA money can be applied to seafood businesses.
"It is the view of the administration that agriculture has been particularly targeted by retaliations as a result of the kinds of actions we're doing to try to level the playing field," he said. "And therefore, the president, the secretary of Agriculture put in place this program."
Multiple lawmakers pressed Lighthizer on the length of time the administration might have tariffs in place in order to achieve its trade goals.
Meanwhile, The Trump administration's $12 billion farm aid package will help many farmers -- but it could also be a sign the administration does not foresee an end to the escalating trade war with China this year.
