Ag groups urge USTR to work toward eliminating EU tariffs, ITC to expand import investigation

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Ag groups urge USTR to work toward eliminating EU tariffs, ITC to expand import investigation

More than 20 leading ag groups are pressing the U.S. Trade Representative to deepen discussions to remove European retaliatory tariffs on U.S. food and ag exports.

On November 10th, the EU moved forward with $4 billion in tariffs on certain U.S. cheeses, ag equipment, potatoes, fruits, and other goods.

The groups say traditional agricultural trade surplus is in desperate need of new markets, and protecting and expanding U.S. food, beverage and ag exports to Europe should be a top priority.

Meanwhile, the USTR has added strawberry and bell pepper imports to the list of commodities it would like the International Trade Commission to investigate.

This request was made in response to several Florida farm groups calling for action, saying unfair trade practices by Mexico have eroded their markets, and follows an October request to investigate how imports of blueberries are harming the domestic market.

These actions are part of the Trump Administration’s plan to support producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables.  Some ag groups are concerned any actions to retaliate against Mexico could undermine the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement.

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