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.

Related Stories
Energy risks could reshape global ag trade flows.
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.
Agricultural groups warn that the deal could limit competition and raise transportation costs for farmers
The Trump Administration’s new rule limiting CDL renewals for immigrant truckers is seeing mixed reactions in agriculture. While some support the change, it is raising concerns about higher freight costs and impacts on U.S. grain export competitiveness.
At the Port of Brownsville, shrimpers are facing rising operating costs and increased competition, but many shrimp producers and local lawmakers remain optimistic about the industry’s future.
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt fertilizer shipments, raising costs and creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers ahead of planting season.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Illinois Farm Bureau shows how hemp can regenerate the earth and boost rural economies.
Betsy Jibben with Ag Market Consulting takes us behind the scenes on report day with AgMarket.net.
A slimmed-down Farm Bill is back on the table in Washington, with lawmakers pushing for a deal by Fall 2025. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas weighs in with his outlook.
Foreign trade partners, such as China and the European Union, are still purchasing U.S. commodities, but are becoming more cautious as the Trump Administration’s tariff deadline approaches in August.
Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Congress is seeking insight from meteorologists and weather researchers on how new technology can enhance safety and response times to severe weather and prevent future disasters.