Rosa: Trade Environment Slightly More Encouraging

With USMCA moving through Congress, many in farm country are excited about what this means for trade and sales into the future.  However, the trade deal is far from perfect, according to Jerome Rosa, Executive Director of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association.  He said when you dig into the details of USMCA there are concerns for American livestock producers.

“[I’m concerned] that the Canadians will continue to price their beef just under the price of whatever the United States beef is, and really use that as the ability to be able to get into our markets.  And that is something that is extremely frustrating to our ranchers and the United States.”

Rosa added the U.S. has a massive trade deficit with Canada when it comes to meat, something he’d also like to see addressed.  Rosa also pointed out that the trade picture has become slightly more encouraging over the past couple of months, and he’s hopeful that momentum will continue into the New Year.

“Hopefully some of this tit for tat with China can get settled and we can move on, like the recent agreement with Japan, and the European Union and now with USMCA, because we know that Chinese market has a growing middle class, that is really desiring American beef.”

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com