While China is purchasing large amounts of many US ag commodities, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said Friday (March 26) he thinks they could “be doing more” in some areas to meet their commitments under the US-China Phase One agreement.
For corn, soybeans and many other commodities, Vilsack said China is “purchasing fairly significant amounts to the point where we're probably back to where we were pre-tariff and pre-pandemic.”
However, China could ramp up imports of biofuels, distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and dairy, Vilsack said during an appearance at the National Press Club. Beyond those products, he said “there's still work to be done on the relationship,” noting overall US ag market share in China “has suffered as a result of the trade and tariff war.”
Asked whether there was the need for any additional trade aid for farmers, Vilsack said no, noting high commodity prices and the rapid clip of purchases by China.