Deputy-level talks between the U.S. and China this month will have a focus on agriculture, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told the Senate Banking Committee Tuesday.
Mnuchin assured lawmakers that they have spent a “lot of time even on trying to get an interim agreement” on agricultural issues with China. “I never thought I would become an expert on soybeans and other agricultural products,” he noted. “I have been accused at times of just wanting to sell soybeans. That is not what we are trying to do. But we want to make sure that China treats our farmers fairly and does not retaliate against the farmers in an unfair way.”
As for the talks later this month at the deputy level, Mnuchin said, “I can tell you that [agriculture] is top of the agenda for the conversations we are having this month." Mnuchin also referred to China’s commitments to buy U.S. ag goods that have not been met with actual purchases.
“I can also tell you that there were specific commitments made in the Oval Office from the Chinese that they did not follow through on and that has been great concern on us for U.S. farmers,” he noted.
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