Farm Bureau Economists Watch for Real Movement on China Trade

Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says agriculture still needs to see U.S. products actively moving into China.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) continues to monitor the latest trade developments involving China and what they could mean for U.S. agriculture moving forward.

AFBF economist Dr. Faith Parum joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the newest details emerging from the agreement and some of the biggest takeaways for agricultural trade.

In her conversation with RFD News, Parum discussed the creation of a new Board of Trade designed to identify goods eligible for tariff reductions or elimination and what that could mean for future U.S.-China agricultural trade.

“This agreement creates two boards, one that’s of interest to Ag is this Board of Trade,” Parum told RFD News. “The countries will get together, and they’ll be partners on each side that can identify tariffs that can be reduced.”

Parum says agriculture will ultimately need to see the changes fully implemented and U.S. ag products actively moving into China before the industry can fully measure the agreement’s impact.

A recent study by North Dakota State University found that U.S. agricultural exporters lost approximately $15 billion in revenue due to retaliatory tariffs imposed by China — among all ag products, soybeans led those losses.

Related Stories
Mexico’s demand for U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat remained mostly steady during the first quarter, despite higher transportation costs.
The temporary closures come as grain traffic on the Arkansas River continues running ahead of recent years.
Shrinking Select beef supplies are continuing to reshape cattle pricing and beef demand trends.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says producers should continue to watch tariff negotiations, market access, and the possibility of a more transactional trade relationship with China.
USMCA review nears a critical stage as the U.S. and Mexico advance talks while Canada risks being left behind, raising concerns across North American agriculture trade.
Industry leaders say damage tied to the Strait of Hormuz conflict may continue impacting global fertilizer supplies long after shipping resumes.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA Elevates “Plant Not Plastic” Initiative and Supports Buying American Cotton Act
North Dakota State University’s Dr. Shawn Arita joins us to break down new research on U.S. ag export losses tied to retaliatory tariffs and what they signal for trade moving forward.
NPPC President Rob Brenneman says rising fuel and input costs are creating pressure across pork production despite steady trade.
Soybean oil is already feeling the pressure.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visits Arizona cotton producers as rising fuel, fertilizer, and fuel and fertilizer costs continue to pressure farm margins.
The family operation says recent storms brought needed rain but also major damage across the farm.