South Dakota Corn Growers Association Statement on proposed tariffs and trade with China

South Dakota Corn Growers Association statement on proposed tariffs and trade with China

The following is a statement from South Dakota Corn Growers Association President Troy Knecht on proposed tariffs and trade with China.

“There was never a doubt that China would retaliate; we just didn’t know how soon. Now that they’ve acted upon their threats, these tariffs will immediately hurt South Dakota farmers, families and main street businesses at a time when the agricultural economy is already sluggish.

“As the world’s most-populated country, China is an extremely important market, one we can’t afford to lose. We still have an opportunity before tariffs are fully implemented to negotiate a trade agreement that will benefit both countries and avoid irreparable harm. We need President Trump to understand the serious implications these tariffs can have on our farm families.”

How to contact the White House

By phone: Comments, 202-456-1111; Switchboard, 202-456-1414

By Email: www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

By Twitter: @realDonaldTrump

Export facts

• The South Dakota Corn Growers Association is committed to fair and open global trade practices and policies. We need policies that give farmers access to markets and level the global playing field.
• 95 percent of consumers live outside the United States.
• The U.S. is forecast to export more than $139 billion in agricultural goods to the rest of the world this year. Tariffs threaten to greatly diminish those exports.
• Ag exports support more than one million American jobs.
• The agriculture industry has a positive trade balance with China and most of the rest of the world.
• Imposition of tariffs on U.S. ag exports makes American farmers less competitive.