The ups and downs of trade these past few years have been at the forefront of the market prices, and the Ag economy. We have enjoyed higher prices for our goods, but that also means that our goods are expensive on the global market, and we are having to fight for our share of the trade. Especially since other countries are producing good numbers as well, that does not mean that we are in any trade depression. We are still seeing some good numbers for certain commodities, and the needs of our trading partners can change at the drop of a hat.
At the recent Winter Policy Conference of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip spoke to the group about the state of the Ag trade situation. McKalip says the trade front has been good, but there is always room for improvement.
As Chief Ag Negotiator, McKalip works very closely with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to open new markets and improve existing ones. He adds that Ambassador Tai is aware of what is needed to improve our Ag trade.
As mentioned before, it isn’t all doom and gloom. We have seen some very exceptional trade in certain aspects of our commodity offerings.
Some of the wins haven’t been with actual purchases but with the policies of other countries toward trade relations with the United States.
The future of Ag trade is certainly murky. But we can see both opportunities and challenges in the future.
