Competition with China was front and center at a Senate hearing on the Panama Canal.
The Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission told lawmakers China’s grip has been around for some time.
“It’s a problem that has been going on for 20 years, which makes it very difficult to answer your question. It is a long answer. This is not a problem that occurred last week. This is not something that President Trump identified, this was going on all President Biden’s term, but of all of President Trump’s first term. It has been going on for decades and decades through both U.S. Republicans and Democrats as President. The only thing I can say is I echo was Ranking Member Cantell said, and I think others of both parties have echoed it, that we need some sort of overall maritime strategy. We have to acknowledge that this is part of our national security,” said Daniel B. Maffei.
During the hearing, Texas Senator Ted Cruz emphasized that China’s influence on the Canal is a national security risk. They also discussed shipping fees and ways to minimize the impact on American businesses.
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
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While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
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Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
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Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
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Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
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Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
February 10, 2026 04:11 PM
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