Jamieson Greer: Tariff and non-tariff barriers are the recipe for why we have unfair trade

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has years of trade experience under his belt. He says the goal is to make trade fair again and blames tariff and non-tariff barriers.

“We only charge a 2.5 percent tariff on ethanol, but Brazil charges us an 18 percent tariff. The result: we have a large trade deficit in ethanol with Brazil. Our average tariff on agricultural goods is five percent, but India’s average tariff is 39 percent. Last year, I think we imported about three billion dollars’ worth of Australian beef, and we exported zero dollars of American beef to Australia.”

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has said the ag trade deficit will soar to nearly $50 billion this year.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust shares how their Farm to School initiative helps strengthen the connection between local farms and school food programs.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, notes that many heart-related conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
Support policies that keep U.S. biofuels at the table—marine demand could materially lift corn grind, crush margins, and rural jobs.
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans joins us to share her journey from farm wife to entrepreneur and advocate for reducing food waste.