Rep. Jason T. Smith, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 8th District | Congressman Jason Smith Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Jason T. Smith, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 8th District | Congressman Jason Smith Official U.S. House headshot
American farmers and ranchers have been facing significant challenges due to the repercussions of President Biden's trade policies. The U.S. agricultural trade deficit has been on the rise, reaching $21 billion in 2023, a stark contrast to the average trade surplus during the previous administration.
According to the Ways and Means Committee, feedback gathered from Americans directly contradicts U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai's minimization of the impact of increasing agricultural trade deficits. The Committee highlighted the hardships faced by American farmers and ranchers, including economic struggles and trade barriers hindering their competitiveness in foreign markets.
The lack of prioritization of American agriculture by the Biden Administration has led to unfair tariffs and non-tariff barriers in countries like Thailand, where American beef producers face a 50% tariff. This situation is projected to contribute to a record trade deficit of $30.5 billion this year.
The column emphasizes the need for the Biden Administration to take responsibility and enforce existing trade agreements to protect American agriculture exporters. It criticizes the administration for engaging in ineffective trade dialogues without a clear strategy, leaving the U.S. unable to hold trading partners accountable or address China's unfair trade practices.
In contrast, the Trump Administration's proactive trade agenda, exemplified by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), prioritized the interests of American farmers. The column urges the Biden Administration to leverage the USMCA to safeguard American farmers and utilize its enhanced enforcement mechanisms for market access.
The piece calls for learning from past mistakes, advocating for fair market access for American agricultural products, and supporting the agricultural sector to realize its potential as a global provider. It underscores the readiness of the Ways and Means Committee and Congress to collaborate with the Biden Administration to address the current unacceptable trade deficit.
Ultimately, the message is clear: failed trade policies under the Biden Administration are negatively impacting American farmers, and urgent action is required to rectify the situation and support the agricultural industry.
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