Market News & Headlines >> USDA: China Taking Actions on Ag Purchases

USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office issued a statement today saying China has taken “numerous actions to begin implementing its agriculture-related commitments” under the phase-one trade deal, which took effect on Feb. 14. 

“President Trump and this Administration negotiated a strong trade agreement with China that promises significant benefits for American agriculture,” USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said. “We look forward to realizing these benefits this year and are encouraged by progress made last week. We fully expect compliance with all elements of the deal.” 

China’s actions include:

•        Lifting the ban on imports of U.S. poultry and poultry products, including pet food        containing poultry products (Poultry and Poultry Products Announcement);
•        Signing a protocol that allows the importation of U.S. fresh chipping potatoes (U.S. Chipping Potatoes Protocol Announcement);
•        Lifting restrictions on imports of U.S. pet food containing ruminant material (Pet Food with Ruminant Ingredients Announcement);
•        Updating lists of facilities approved for exporting animal protein, pet food, dairy, infant formula, and tallow for industry use to China;
•        Updating the lists of products that can be exported to China as feed additives; and
•        Updating an approved list of U.S. seafood species that can be exported to China.

In addition, USDA noted China has begun announcing tariff exclusions for imports of U.S. agricultural products subject to its retaliatory tariffs and announced a reduction in retaliatory tariff rates on certain U.S. agricultural goods. These types of actions will facilitate China’s progress toward meeting its Phase One purchase commitments.