The U.S. Trade Rep’s office is looking at making trade more fair. It comes after an investigation into China, and it directly targets their maritime industry.
The Office says China is dominating in areas like maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding, warning it places unreasonable burdens on U.S. commerce. They are hoping to use fees on Chinese ship operators and owners.
Not everyone is on board, though, with one U.S. shipping industry official calling the proposal “catastrophic.” Consultants with O’Neil Commodity Consulting say that in 2022, more than a third of all commercial ships were built in China, and that number is now closer to 22 percent.
Related Stories
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Global agriculture is stabilizing after years of price swings, with flat to modestly rising returns expected as productivity offsets slower demand growth.
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
Cattle markets are collapsing this week, and analysts say that several factors are at play. Consumer beef prices also remain near all-time highs, threatening long-term demand.
If confirmed, early Chinese buys tighten nearby Gulf/PNW capacity and could bump basis in export-oriented regions.
Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
