The Trump administration's focus on trade continues, as officials work towards more trade agreements.

 

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue traveled to the European Union to discuss a potential trade deal this week, and talks are ongoing to reach a tentative agreement with India. Perdue maintains that "Agriculture needs to be included in a trade deal" with the European Union.  Specifically, Perdue told reporters Wednesday from Rome he wants the EU to recognize the U.S. method of sanitizing chicken products, along with addressing geographic indicators and EU objections to biotechnology.

 

Meanwhile, Politico reports U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is expected to travel to New Delhi, India, early next month, for potential trade talks with India's Commerce Minister. President Donald Trump revoked trade benefits for India last year that cuts duties on products from developing nations. India is seeking to regain those benefits, while the U.S. wants equivalent access for U.S. agricultural products in any tentative trade deal.

 

 

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

More From PNW Ag Network