While U.S./UK Talks Have Taken Positive Steps, AFBF Does Not Expect A Deal Anytime Soon

Prospects for U.S./UK trade talks may have gotten a boost at the recent G-7 summit in England, but Dave Salmonsen with the American Farm Bureau Federation suggests there’s a long road ahead to advance a deal. Salmonsen said the important thing is that President Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a chance to talk face-to-face, not just on bilateral issues, but all those impacting a possible deal.

“On the broader sphere of European relations, Irish issues between the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the impact of Brexit, the trade deal that’s going on there that isn’t very smooth. And we know that President Biden takes a strong interest in anything to do with Ireland.”

With Biden and many American lawmakers insisting nothing be done to upset the Good Friday Peace Agreement, like a ‘hard’ north-south border, amid remaining post-Brexit disputes on fishing and meat trade. But Salmonsen argues there’s still room to move forward.

“Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai is off to join the President, both in Brussels for the U.S.-EU summit, to talk about the steel and aircraft issues, and then she’s going to London to meet with their Trade Minister Truss. There are some of those other issues to talk about with the UK, but we also expect to explore some of the issues in resuming U.S.-UK talks.” 

Salmonsen added the U.S. administration wants a “working trade relationship” between London and Brussels before the U.S. is willing to enter trade talks with the UK.

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