Trade Group Seeks Accountability and Transparency

farmers-for-free-trade

A trade lobby group seeks accountability and transparency from the phase one agreement between the U.S. and China. Farmers for Free Trade seeks further details regarding both the China agreement, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The China agreement includes $40 billion of increased purchases of U.S. agriculture products, according to the Trump administration. Farmers for Free Trade Co-Executive Director Brian Kuehl says, “There is a healthy skepticism about whether American farmers will actually see these purchases, adding “that skepticism is only compounded when we’re told we won’t see the full text of the deal.”

Specifically, the organization is asking whether the $40 billion in ag purchases commitment is contingent on any actions by the U.S. and for details on how China will meet the commitment if it’s been made.

Meanwhile, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He was reported to be in last-minute talks with the U.S. ahead of today’s signing ceremony. A potential phase two agreement is expected to tackle more sensitive issues between the U.S. and China.